When holiday cheer fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of baking delicious treats at home. A few years ago, while experimenting with leftover nuts from a party platter, I stumbled onto a delightful combination that would soon become a cherished recipe: Triple Nut Snowballs. These delightful little cookies are not overly sweet, allowing the rich, buttery flavors of cashews, macadamia nuts, and pecans to shine through in every bite.
Imagine the cozy aroma of freshly baked cookies swirling around your kitchen as you roll these buttery delights in a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, creating a snowy effect that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Perfect for sharing at festive gatherings or wrapping up as thoughtful gifts, these cookies not only please the palate but also add a festive flair to any holiday spread. Best of all, the simplicity of this easy cookie recipe means you can whip up a batch with minimal fuss, leaving you more time to bask in the joy of the season. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on these crunchy, nutty holiday wonders!
Why will you adore Triple Nut Snowballs?
Deliciously Balanced: These cookies provide the perfect blend of nuttiness without overwhelming sweetness, making them a favorite for everyone.
Easy to Make: A simple process means even novice bakers can create these scrumptious treats without stress.
Customizable: Feel free to mix and match nuts according to your taste or dietary needs, making each batch uniquely yours.
Festive Appeal: Their snowy appearance enhances any holiday platter, making them visually stunning as well as tasty.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are a delightful homemade gift, wrapped in festive tins, that friends and family will adore.
Triple Nut Snowballs Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Ensures a rich and moist texture; remember to soften for smooth mixing.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness and is used for rolling the cookies; extra for dusting creates a lovely snowy effect.
• Almond Extract – Elevates the flavor profile; can substitute with vanilla extract for a different but delightful twist.
• All-Purpose Flour – Acts as the foundation for the cookies, providing essential structure.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon – Optional, but adds a cozy warmth for those who enjoy a hint of spice.
For the Nuts
• Unsalted Cashews – Imparts a rich and buttery flavor; can easily be replaced with walnuts for a different taste.
• Macadamia Nuts – Contributes creaminess; can substitute with hazelnuts for a unique nutty experience.
• Pecan Halves – Enhances crunchiness; feel free to swap with almonds for added texture.
Embrace the magic of these Triple Nut Snowballs as they transform your holiday baking into a heartwarming experience filled with flavor and joy!
How to Make Triple Nut Snowballs
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Preheat Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking of your cookies.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar until fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for a tender texture.
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Incorporate Extract: Gently mix in the almond extract, allowing its delightful flavor to infuse the butter-sugar blend for that holiday warmth.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and optional cinnamon. Gradually mix this dry combination into the creamed mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing for a tender cookie.
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Process Nuts: In a food processor, pulse the cashews, macadamia nuts, and pecans until finely ground. Fold this nutty goodness into the dough, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
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Shape Cookies: With your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball for even baking.
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Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown—remember, they should remain soft in the center.
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Sugar Coating: Once cooled for about 10 minutes on the pans, roll each cookie in the remaining confectioners’ sugar twice: first while they’re still warm and again just before serving to refresh their snowy appearance.
Optional: Dust with extra confectioners’ sugar for an added festive touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Triple Nut Snowballs
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent moisture absorption.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Reheating: To revive the cookies, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring they stay crisp while enjoying the nutty essence of your Triple Nut Snowballs.
Make Ahead Options
These Triple Nut Snowballs are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify holiday baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by forming the balls and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked dough for up to 3 months—just place the balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for that same delicious, homemade taste. By prepping ahead, you’ll have quick, easy access to festive treats without the last-minute rush!
Triple Nut Snowballs Variations
Embrace your creativity and make these delightful cookies your own with these fun twists and substitutions!
- Nut Swaps: Substitute any nuts you have on hand—try pecans, hazelnuts, or your personal favorite for a new flavor adventure.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a rich, chocolatey twist that perfectly complements the nuts.
- Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a cookie everyone can enjoy during the holidays.
- Spiced Delight: Mix in a teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger for a warm, inviting flavor that sings of the season.
- Coconut Crush: Fold in unsweetened shredded coconut for added texture and a tropical twist that plays well with the nuts.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie version while still achieving a wonderful sweetness.
- Nutty Crunch: Coarsely chop some of the nuts and sprinkle them on top before baking for an extra crunchy texture tree!
- Zest of Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens up these cookies.
With these variations, you’ll not only cater to different tastes but also craft a batch of Triple Nut Snowballs that reflect your style—perfect for your holiday gatherings!
Expert Tips for Triple Nut Snowballs
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Butter Softening: Ensure your unsalted butter is truly softened at room temperature to achieve a light and fluffy texture while creaming.
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Bake Time Caution: Be mindful not to overbake the cookies. They’re best when the edges are just golden brown to maintain that tender center.
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Nut Grinding: When processing the nuts, aim for a fine texture but avoid making nut butter. This ensures a delightful crunch in your Triple Nut Snowballs.
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Twice Sugar Coating: Rolling your cookies in confectioners’ sugar twice enhances their appearance and sweetness, creating that snowy finish we’re after.
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Slice of Variety: Feel free to experiment with different nuts based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Each combination brings its own unique flavor to your cookies!
What to Serve with Triple Nut Snowballs?
These delightful treats will certainly steal the spotlight at any table, but pairing them with complementary flavors enhances the festive experience.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: This luscious drink’s creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor create a cozy pairing with the nutty sweetness of the cookies. A warm mug in hand while indulging in snowballs is pure comfort.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai beautifully complement the buttery richness of the cookies. Sipping on this fragrant tea elevates your holiday mood.
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Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit medley provides a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the dense texture of the Triple Nut Snowballs. Think of vibrant berries or citrus to brighten the plate.
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Classic Eggnog: This creamy holiday staple pairs wonderfully with buttery cookies, bringing nostalgic warmth to your gatherings. The spiced flavors of eggnog harmonize perfectly with the nuts.
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Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake squares offer a delightful contrast with their creamy texture and tangy flavor, creating a balance alongside the crunchy cookies. A delightful dessert table addition!
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Festive Holiday Punch: A fruity, sparkling punch can enhance the joyful atmosphere of any gathering, making it a cheerful sidekick to your cookie platter. The fizz adds a fun element to your treat experience.
Triple Nut Snowballs Recipe FAQs
What nuts can I use in Triple Nut Snowballs?
You can use a variety of nuts for your Triple Nut Snowballs! While the original recipe calls for cashews, macadamia nuts, and pecans, feel free to mix and match. Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds work beautifully, allowing you to customize the flavor to your preference or based on what you have in your pantry.
How do I know when my cookies are fully baked?
When baking Triple Nut Snowballs, keep a close eye on them! They should bake for 8-10 minutes, and you’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown while the centers remain soft. This way, you get that delightful tender texture contrasted with a bit of crunch from the nuts.
How should I store my Triple Nut Snowballs?
Absolutely! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh. If they will last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze the dough for Triple Nut Snowballs?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for perfect convenience! Shape the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the balls to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time!
Are Triple Nut Snowballs suitable for people with nut allergies?
Since this recipe features multiple types of nuts, it’s best avoided by those with nut allergies. However, you could adapt the recipe by using seeds or nut-free alternatives like sunflower seed butter, though the flavor and texture may differ. Always ensure all ingredients are safe for anyone consuming the cookies.
Triple Nut Snowballs: Effortless Holiday Treats You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with ½ cup of confectioners' sugar until fluffy and light, about 3-4 minutes.
- Gently mix in the almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and optional cinnamon. Gradually mix this into the creamed mixture until just combined.
- In a food processor, pulse the cashews, macadamia nuts, and pecans until finely ground. Fold this into the dough.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Once cooled for about 10 minutes, roll each cookie in confectioners' sugar twice.