Name: Gluten Free Snowballs: Buttery Melts for Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened, at room temperature); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (Gluten-free variety); 1/4 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract; 2 cups 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour (Brands like King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure); 1 cup Chopped Walnuts (Can substitute with pecans or go nut-free)

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As I stood in my kitchen, a gentle flurry of powdered sugar danced through the air, whispering of holiday cheer and homemade comfort. If you’re on the hunt for delightful Gluten Free Snowballs, you’re in for a real treat! These classic buttery cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, come together with just six simple ingredients, making them not only easy to whip up but also perfect for any festive occasion. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with a nutty crunch makes these cookies a beloved addition to any cookie platter. Plus, the flexibility to switch up nuts or go nut-free opens up a world of possibilities! Curious how to create these little bites of joy that combine tradition and taste? Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Why Make Gluten Free Snowballs?

Irresistible Flavor: The buttery goodness paired with a nutty crunch ensures these cookies please every palate during your festive gatherings.

Easy to Prepare: With just six ingredients, you’ll find these cookies come together effortlessly, perfect for those last-minute baking sessions.

Customizable Fun: Whether you prefer walnuts, pecans, or even going nut-free, the flexibility of this recipe invites you to make it your own.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These gluten-free snowballs boast a tender, delicate crumb that melts away, making them a delightful treat for cookie lovers everywhere.

Festive Appeal: Their charming appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, adds that extra touch to your holiday cookie platters, leaving guests impressed.

Guilt-Free Indulgence: At only 94 calories per cookie, you can enjoy these delightful treats without the guilt, perfect for festive snacking or sharing! For a protein-packed option, check out these delicious Protein Brownie Bites.

Gluten Free Snowballs Ingredients

For the Cookies

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and a tender texture; opt for gluten-free varieties to keep these cookies compliant.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweetness beautifully.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cookies with a sweet aroma and depth of flavor.
1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour – Acts as the structural base; brands like King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure work great.
Chopped Walnuts – Introduces a nutty crunch; feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds, or skip altogether for a nut-free version.

These Gluten Free Snowballs are not only easy to make but also a fantastic addition to your holiday celebrations!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gluten Free Snowballs

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper—this will prevent the cookies from sticking. The paper should lay flat, ready to catch the delightfully buttery cookies we’re about to create!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar along with a pinch of salt. Using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your Gluten Free Snowballs a lovely texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Once your butter mixture is fluffy, pour in the pure vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling the deliciousness to come. This flavor addition enhances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful balance with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Incorporate the Gluten-Free Flour
Gradually add the 1:1 gluten free baking flour to the butter mixture, mixing at a low speed to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix until the dough comes together and is fully incorporated, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Your dough should feel soft but not sticky.

Step 5: Fold in Chopped Walnuts
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This nutty crunch adds a wonderful texture to your Gluten Free Snowballs. If you prefer, you can also use pecans or almonds, or even omit them for a nut-free version!

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to handle. If you’re preparing ahead of time, feel free to chill overnight; this will deepen the flavors and improve the texture of your cookies.

Step 7: Form the Cookie Balls
After the dough is chilled, scoop out about a tablespoon-sized portion and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Place these dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, keeping them spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
Put the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the edges are set but the tops remain pale—don’t let them brown! Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool briefly on the sheets.

Step 9: Powdered Sugar Coating
Once they have cooled for about 5 minutes, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. This gives your Gluten Free Snowballs that signature festive look. After rolling, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which will help the sugar adhere perfectly.

Step 10: Store and Enjoy
Once cooled, store your Gluten Free Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for later enjoyment. They can stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. Indulge in these delightful cookies during your holiday celebrations or as a sweet treat any time!

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How to Store and Freeze Gluten Free Snowballs

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and delicious.

Fridge: For longer storage, place cookies in the refrigerator where they can last for up to 2 weeks while maintaining their wonderful texture.

Freezer: Freeze your Gluten Free Snowballs for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until just warmed through.

What to Serve with Gluten Free Snowballs?

Indulge in the magic of the holiday season by pairing these delightful cookies with the perfect accompaniments for a complete festive experience.

Classic Eggnog: This creamy beverage, rich with spices, beautifully complements the buttery nature of the cookies, enhancing their sweetness.
Fruity Mimosa: A refreshing twist on breakfast beverages, a mimosa adds a bright citrus note that balances the cookie’s richness.
Herbal Tea: The warmth of herbal teas, like chamomile or peppermint, offers a soothing contrast, inviting you to savor each bite leisurely.
Ice Cream Sundae: Top vanilla bean ice cream with crumbles of Gluten Free Snowballs for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Cranberry Sauce: A small dollop of tart cranberry sauce alongside the cookies highlights their sweetness, adding variety to your palate.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The contrast of rich chocolate with fruity freshness pairs effortlessly with the nutty notes of the cookies, elevating your dessert table.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses can provide a delightful savory contrast, making for an intriguing flavor journey when enjoyed with the cookies.
Warm Spiced Cider: This festive drink warms your soul while the aromatic spices enhance the cookies, offering a fragrant and cozy experience.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For those who love variety, offering a tray full of both cookies allows guests to mix and match flavors, creating a delightful spread.
Gluten-Free Coffee Cake: A slice of moist coffee cake complements the snowballs beautifully, while the flavors intermingle delightfully on each forkful.

Make Ahead Options

These Gluten Free Snowball Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply chill it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. Alternatively, form the cookie balls ahead of time and freeze them for up to 3 months; just be sure to space them out on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them in the preheated oven for a few extra minutes. This way, you’ll have fresh, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with minimal effort whenever the craving strikes!

Gluten Free Snowballs: Creative Swaps!

Embrace your culinary creativity with these delightful variations and substitutions for our beloved gluten-free snowballs.

Nut-Free: Skip the nuts completely for a light, allergen-friendly treat that everyone can enjoy.
Pecan Power: Swap walnuts for pecans for a sweet, buttery flavor twist that adds a different dimension to your cookies.
Almond Joy: Use chopped almonds instead of walnuts for a slightly crunchier texture—perfect for almond lovers!
Chocolate Lovers: Roll your cookies in cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar after baking for a rich, chocolatey delight that’s sure to please.
Add Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, cozy flavor perfect for the holidays.
Almond Extract: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a lovely nutty aroma and taste that pairs beautifully with powdered sugar.
Lavender Delight: Infuse the dough with a touch of dried lavender for a unique floral note that elevates your snowballs to gourmet status.
Festive Sprinkles: For some fun flair, roll the cookies in colorful sprinkles instead of powdered sugar—great for holiday parties or kids’ gatherings!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas, and if you’re looking for a guilt-free sweet, check out these delicious Protein Brownie Bites for another fantastic treat to add to your repertoire!

Tips for the Best Gluten Free Snowballs

Butter Matters: Always use softened unsalted butter instead of melted; this results in a smoother texture and a better rise.

Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough—this step helps the Gluten Free Snowballs hold their shape while baking and intensifies flavor.

Proper Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar; this ensures the coating adheres well, giving them the perfect look.

Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies; they should not brown. They’re done when the edges feel firm but the tops remain pale for a tender finish.

Nut Substitutions: Feel free to switch out walnuts for pecans or almonds, or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option—every variation is delicious!

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Gluten Free Snowballs Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ingredients for making Gluten Free Snowballs?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use high-quality unsalted butter at room temperature. This ensures it creams well with the powdered sugar. When selecting gluten-free flour, brands like King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 are excellent choices because they provide a great texture and taste.

How should I store my Gluten Free Snowballs?
You can keep these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week. If you’d like to extend their freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, which helps maintain their lovely texture and taste.

Can I freeze Gluten Free Snowballs? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months! To do this, make sure the cookies are completely cooled first. Then, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes for a warm, fresh treat!

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Very good question! If you find the dough sticking to your hands, try chilling it in the refrigerator for an additional 15-30 minutes to help firm it up. You can also sprinkle a little more gluten-free flour on your hands and the work surface while rolling the dough into balls.

Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! If you’d like to avoid nuts altogether, simply omit the chopped walnuts and proceed with the recipe as directed. You might also consider adding a sprinkle of coconut or even chocolate chips for an extra touch!

Are Gluten Free Snowballs safe for pets?
While these treats are delightful for humans, they aren’t suitable for pets, especially due to the powdered sugar content. Make sure to keep these tasty cookies out of reach from furry friends!