Snowy Walnut Bites are the perfect little treat for those cozy winter days when all you want is something sweet and satisfying. I first made them one chilly afternoon when I was craving a simple dessert that didn’t require too much effort but still packed a flavorful punch. The Snowy Walnut Bites quickly became a favorite in my house, and now, every time the weather turns cold, I find myself reaching for the recipe. These bite-sized treats are loaded with crunchy walnuts and coated in a sweet, powdery sugar that’s just irresistible.
The Simple Ingredients
The beauty of Snowy Walnut Bites lies in their simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can easily whip them up in no time. Walnuts are the star of the show, offering that rich, nutty flavor that pairs so wonderfully with the delicate sweetness of powdered sugar. Flour, butter, and a pinch of salt balance the flavors, while vanilla adds that comforting aroma we all love. Everything comes together easily to create a dough that’s simple to work with, even for beginners. Once everything is mixed, it’s time to roll the dough into small balls and bake.
Rolling and Baking Snowy Walnut Bites
The fun part of making Snowy Walnut Bites is shaping the dough into little balls. As you roll each one, you can already imagine how delicious they’ll taste once they’re done. The walnuts give a nice crunch, and the dough holds everything together perfectly. After baking, the Snowy Walnut Bites come out golden brown, with just a hint of crispiness around the edges. The key to their charm, though, is the final touch – rolling them in powdered sugar as soon as they cool. This adds a snowy look, which is exactly how they got their name!
Enjoying Snowy Walnut Bites
There’s something so comforting about biting into a Snowy Walnut Bite. The outside is soft and slightly crisp, while the inside is tender and nutty, with that satisfying crunch from the walnuts. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, and I can’t resist having just one more. Snowy Walnut Bites have become a tradition in my home, and I always make a double batch to ensure there are enough to share with friends and family. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold afternoon or bringing them to a holiday gathering, they’re sure to be a hit!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Snowy Walnut Bites
- Butter Softness: It’s important to use softened unsalted butter for this recipe. If the butter is too cold, it can create a lumpy dough. If it’s too warm, it might cause the dough to spread too much during baking. Leave the butter out for 30 minutes to an hour before starting the recipe.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky, it’s perfectly okay to chill it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before rolling. This helps to firm up the dough and makes it easier to shape the cookies.
- Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and powdered sugar together to eliminate any lumps and make the dough lighter. This step is optional, but it ensures the cookies will have a smoother texture.
- Size of Cookies: For consistent baking, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. This ensures all cookies bake evenly and are the perfect size for rolling in powdered sugar.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the edges, but still soft in the center. Overbaking can cause them to become too crispy.
- Coating the Cookies: Let the cookies cool down slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar. If they’re too hot, the sugar won’t adhere properly.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the dough in advance, shape the cookies, and freeze them on a baking sheet for 15 minutes. Once frozen, transfer them to a storage container or ziplock bag and bake them fresh when you’re ready.
- Flavor Boost: If you enjoy a different flavor twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest or almond extract to the dough for a refreshing variation.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Snowy Walnut Bites
12
cookies20
minutes15
minutes200
kcal15
minutes50
minutesDive into the delightful world of Snowy Walnut Bites, where each cookie promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience! Perfected over generations, this recipe blends rich butter, aromatic vanilla, and crunchy walnuts, all enveloped in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to enchant your taste buds and impress your loved ones. Join countless home bakers in creating this timeless favorite that’s both simple to make and utterly delicious!
Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
- Wet Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
- Add-ins
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Additional confectioner’s sugar for rolling
- Alternative Ingredients:
Butter: Can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract can be used for a different flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free flour blends can replace all-purpose flour for gluten-free versions.
Walnuts: Pecans or almonds can be used if allergic to walnuts.
Confectioner’s Sugar: Coconut sugar powder as a natural sweetener alternative.
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Mixing Bowl: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a spacious mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the softened unsalted butter with the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 6 tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar. Gradually incorporate this dry blend into the buttery mixture, stirring continuously to ensure a uniform dough forms. This process should take approximately 5 minutes. *Optional*: Sift the dry ingredients before mixing for an extra light texture.
- Add Walnuts and Form Cookies: Fold in the finely chopped walnuts evenly into the dough. Scoop the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Final Touches: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, roll each cookie generously in additional powdered sugar to achieve the signature snowy appearance. *Optional*: For an extra festive touch, add a small crushed walnut on top of each cookie before the sugar sets.
Equipment
- hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Food Processor
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Potassium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 150IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQ- Snowy Walnut Bites
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may affect the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free option, you can also try coconut oil, but the texture may vary.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure you use one that is designed to replace regular flour on a 1:1 ratio for best results.
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic to walnuts, pecans or almonds are great alternatives. They’ll still provide that wonderful crunch but with a slightly different flavor profile.
How can I store leftover cookies?
Store your Snowy Walnut Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I dip these cookies in chocolate?
Yes! For an extra decadent touch, dip the cooled cookies in melted white or dark chocolate and let them set. It will add a beautiful finish and enhance the flavor.
