Snowball Cookies

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Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a classic holiday treat that’s loved for their buttery, crumbly texture and sweet, powdery coating. These bite-sized delights are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Buttery, crumbly, and utterly irresistible.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, sugar, and lard (or butter).
• Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully coated in powdered sugar, they make a lovely gift.
• Holiday Favorite: A classic treat for Christmas, weddings, or any special occasion.
• Customizable: Add nuts or flavorings for a personal twist.

Ingredients Breakdown:

• White Flour (500 grams) – Forms the base of the dough, creating the structure of the cookies.
• Iberic Pork Lard (200 grams) – Adds richness and creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making these cookies wonderfully crumbly.
• White Wine (125 ml) – Helps to bind the dough and adds subtle flavor without overpowering the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar (90 grams) – Sweetens the dough and gives a smooth finish to the cookies.
• Salt (A pinch) – Enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness.
• Extra Powdered Sugar (for rolling and serving) – Coats the warm cookies, giving them a sweet finish and a snowy look.

Tips and Tricks

• Butter Substitute: If you don’t have lard, use unsalted butter for a similar texture.
• Add Nuts: Mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts for added flavor and texture.
• Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crumbly.

Variations and Customizations

• Chocolate Snowballs: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a refreshing flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Vegan Version: Substitute lard with vegan butter and use a plant-based wine.

Pairing Suggestions

• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Dessert Wine: Pair with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or Port.
• Ice Cream: Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Popular Questions

1. Can I use butter instead of lard?
Yes, unsalted butter works well as a substitute.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! They stay fresh for several days and freeze beautifully.

3. Can I skip the wine?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with milk or water, but the wine adds a unique flavor and tenderness.

4. Why do my cookies turn out tough?
Overworking the dough or using too much flour can make them tough. Be gentle when mixing and rolling.

Snowball Cookies

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Snowball Cookies are soft, crumbly, and perfectly sweet, with a light texture thanks to the Iberic pork lard. Coated in powdered sugar, they’re a delightful treat for the holidays or any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 grams (about 4 cups) white flour
• 200 grams (about 1 cup) Iberic pork lard, softened (or substitute with butter)
• 125 ml (about 1/2 cup) white wine (adds a subtle flavor and tenderness)
• 90 grams (about 3/4 cup) powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling and serving
• A pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and powdered sugar until well combined.
   • Add the softened lard (or butter) and white wine to the dry mixture.
   • Mix with your hands until the dough comes together to form a smooth ball.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Sprinkle powdered sugar on a clean surface (instead of flour) to prevent sticking.
   • Roll out the dough to a thick layer, as these cookies do not rise much in the oven.
3. Cut Out the Cookies:
   • Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles from the dough.
4. Bake the Cookies:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
5. Coat in Powdered Sugar:
   • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and, while still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar.
   • For an extra touch, sprinkle more powdered sugar on top before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Let the cookies cool completely before storing or serving.

Notes

• For a smoother dough, sift the flour and powdered sugar before mixing.
• Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar stick better.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International

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