Name: Vegan Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup White rice flour; 0.5 cup Nut meal (ground walnuts or pecans); 0.33 cup Corn starch (or tapioca starch and other substitutes); 0.33 cup Cane sugar; 3 oz Dairy-free butter; 0.25 tsp Salt; 0.25 cup Powdered sugar (confectionary sugar); 1 Tbsp Water (optional – see instructions)

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The moment I first tasted Vegan Snowball Cookies, I was transported back to my childhood holiday gatherings, where the air was filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked treats. These delightful little cookies, with their soft texture and sweet powdered sugar coating, are a nostalgic reminder of winter celebrations. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a hint of sweetness that warms the heart. I remember baking these with my family, our hands dusted with flour and sugar, as we shared stories and created lasting memories. They have become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the festive season. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa or sharing them with friends at a holiday party, Vegan Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat to bring joy and cheer to any occasion. Plus, they’re simple to make and a wonderful way to introduce plant-based baking to your friends and family. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a beloved favorite!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
90 kcal

Protein:
1g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
4g g

Tools Used:
Food processor, Regular parchment paper, Non-stick baking sheet, Rolling mat

What You’ll Enjoy About This Vegan Snowball Cookies

1. A Sweet Tradition

Every family has its unique traditions, and for me, baking Vegan Snowball Cookies is one of the sweetest. This recipe captures the essence of togetherness, as we gather in the kitchen to create something truly delicious. It’s not just about the final product; it’s about the joy of the process and sharing it with loved ones.

2. Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are not just for the holidays. Their charming appearance makes them ideal for birthday parties, potlucks, and even casual get-togethers. Bring a batch to your next event, and watch them disappear! Their light, fluffy texture pairs beautifully with any beverage, making them a versatile treat.

3. A Guilt-Free Indulgence

One of my favorite aspects of Vegan Snowball Cookies is that they are completely plant-based. This means you can indulge without guilt! Made with wholesome ingredients, they satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your health goals in check.

4. Easy to Make

If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe incredibly easy to follow. The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need any fancy equipment other than a food processor and an oven. Plus, kids love to help form the cookie balls, making it a fun family activity!

5. Customizable Flavors

While the classic version is delightful, feel free to experiment! You can add different nuts, zest of citrus, or even a hint of spices to take your Vegan Snowball Cookies to a new level. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity!

6. A Wonderful Gift

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a friend? Package these cookies in a cute box or jar, and you have a heartfelt present. Handmade treats convey genuine care, making your gift memorable and unique.

What to Buy for Vegan Snowball Cookies

When it comes to making Vegan Snowball Cookies, the right ingredients are key to achieving that delightful taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting these sweet treats. Let’s explore the essential components that make our cookies irresistible!

White rice flour: This gluten-free flour provides a light and tender texture, perfect for our snowball cookies.
Nut meal: Ground walnuts or pecans add a rich, nutty flavor and healthy fats, enhancing the cookies’ overall taste.
Corn starch: This ingredient helps to create a tender crumb, ensuring that each bite melts in your mouth.
Cane sugar: A natural sweetener that balances the flavors and adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Dairy-free butter: Vital for that rich taste and texture, this butter substitutes well for traditional butter while keeping the recipe vegan.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the cookies.
Powdered sugar: The snowy coating that gives these cookies their name and a delightful sweetness that contrasts with the rich flavors.
Water: Sometimes needed to adjust the dough consistency for the perfect texture.

Putting Together Vegan Snowball Cookies

Making Vegan Snowball Cookies is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of these irresistible treats.

Start by preheating your oven to 390 Fahrenheit (about 199 °C). It’s essential to have your oven ready to ensure even baking right from the start.
In a food processor, combine white rice flour, nut meal, corn starch, cane sugar, dairy-free butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Pulse until the mixture resembles a crumb-like texture. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.
Transfer the dough into a mixing bowl. Knead it with your hands for about 2 minutes until it forms a cohesive ball. If the dough feels too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time, adjusting as needed. This helps ensure your cookies aren’t too crumbly.
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your palms. The dough should be easy to shape but firm enough to hold together.
Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Place your cookie balls on the tray, leaving a bit of space between them, as they won’t expand much during baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Start checking them around the 8-minute mark, especially since cookies made with rice flour can brown more slowly. If they start to brown, they may be overcooked.
After taking them out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the parchment paper. While they’re still warm, generously dust them with powdered sugar using a sifter for that snowy finish.
Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again. This double dusting technique creates that perfect snowy appearance and enhances the sweetness.
Enjoy your Vegan Snowball Cookies with friends and family, or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence!

Things Worth Knowing

Use a food processor: This tool makes mixing the ingredients much easier and ensures a consistent texture.
Watch your baking time: Since these cookies can brown quickly, keep an eye on them after the 8-minute mark.
Double dusting: Dusting with powdered sugar while warm helps it stick better, creating a beautiful finish.
Storage: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming too dry.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Every baker loves a good tip, and when it comes to Vegan Snowball Cookies, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. Here are some ideas to inspire you!

Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Freezing: You can freeze the cookie balls before baking. Just roll them in powdered sugar after thawing and bake as usual!
Flavor variations: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist, or substituting different nuts in the nut meal.
Serving suggestions: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Festive decoration: Add colored sugar or edible glitter to the powdered sugar for a festive look during holiday gatherings.
Ingredient swaps: If you prefer, use almond flour instead of rice flour for a different texture and flavor.

Accompaniments for Vegan Snowball Cookies

When serving Vegan Snowball Cookies, consider the following accompaniments to enhance the experience:

Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of your favorite beverage pairs perfectly with the buttery sweetness of the cookies.
Fruit platter: Fresh fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert table.
Holiday gatherings: Serve these cookies at festive events, alongside other traditional treats to create a cozy atmosphere.
Gift ideas: Package these cookies in a decorative tin and share them as gifts during the holiday season, spreading joy to friends and family.
Celebration snacks: They are an excellent choice for birthdays, potlucks, and any celebration where you want to impress guests with homemade treats.
Seasonal flavors: Experiment by adding seasonal spices or ingredients to match the time of year, like peppermint for winter.

FAQ

Vegan Snowball Cookies are delightful bite-sized treats made without any animal products. These cookies are characterized by their soft texture, rich flavor, and a dusting of powdered sugar that gives them a snowy appearance. They are typically made with gluten-free ingredients like white rice flour and nut meal, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Absolutely! Vegan Snowball Cookies are already gluten-free when made with white rice flour and nut meal. Just ensure that any substitutions you make also maintain this gluten-free quality. For example, you can use gluten-free flour blends if you prefer a different texture.

To keep your Vegan Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them! Just ensure they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and they can last for a couple of months.

Yes! One of the great things about Vegan Snowball Cookies is their versatility. You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist, or even incorporate zests from citrus fruits for a refreshing hint. Experimenting with different nuts in the nut meal can also create exciting flavors!

Conclusion

The beauty of Vegan Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity and delightful taste. They are not only easy to make but also a wonderful way to share love and sweetness with others. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy it brings. Whether you’re enjoying them yourself or sharing them with friends, these cookies are sure to create memorable moments. Happy baking!