Snowball Cookies

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Dough**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until everything is incorporated and the dough comes together. Be sure not to overmix; you want to keep the dough soft and crumbly.

#### 2. **Fold in the Nuts**
Once the dough is formed, fold in the chopped nuts of your choice. Walnuts and pecans are traditional, but feel free to experiment with almonds or other nuts. The nuts add a delightful crunch to the soft texture of the cookies.

#### 3. **Shape the Cookies**
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a small ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the rolled dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. These cookies don’t spread much during baking, so they can be placed fairly close together.

#### 4. **Bake the Cookies**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them, as the goal is for the cookies to remain pale and soft.

#### 5. **Cool and Coat in Powdered Sugar**
Once the cookies are out of the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them firm up slightly, making them easier to handle. While they’re still warm, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar to coat them generously. The powdered sugar will create that beautiful snowball-like effect.

For an extra layer of sweetness, you can roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time after they have fully cooled.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy!**
Once the cookies have cooled completely, serve them on a festive plate or store them in an airtight container. Snowball cookies stay fresh for several days, making them great for preparing in advance. They also make an excellent homemade gift, perfect for giving to friends, family, or neighbors.

### Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:
– **Chill the Dough**: If your dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll the dough into balls.
– **Coat Generously**: Be sure to roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. The warmth helps the sugar adhere better, giving the cookies a perfect snowy coating.
– **Use Room Temperature Butter**: Softened butter is essential for the right texture in the dough. Cold butter will make the dough too stiff, while melted butter may alter the texture.
– **Flavor Variations**: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract to the dough for a unique twist on the traditional recipe. You can also use a combination of different nuts to experiment with flavor and texture.

### Why Snowball Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite:
Snowball cookies are a classic holiday treat because they’re simple to make, visually appealing, and wonderfully delicious. Their delicate flavor, combined with the festive dusting of powdered sugar, makes them perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or any winter celebration. Plus, their easy preparation means you can make a batch in no time, whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging in a sweet treat by yourself.

### Conclusion:
Snowball cookies are a holiday favorite for a reason. They’re simple to make, delicious, and festive, with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies will bring a touch of winter magic to any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start rolling those perfect little snowballs for a sweet treat everyone will love!