No mixer required! That should draw your attention. Here’s one for the folks who are starting off and may not have a stand mixer to make some of the other treats in this blog. I love recipes like this – simple ingredients (always room for substitutions) that when combined make you go ahhhhhhh, it’s Christmas. So here is 2021 Christmas Treat #10 – Walnut and Orange Snowball Cookies.
Keep the nut allergic folks away from this one or make it without the nuts (see “Well Why Not!” section below for substitutions). The key to this is to get the texture to where a firm ball will form when squeezed in your hand and then stay whole without breaking up when rolling. That’s the hardest part and really – is it?! Nah, piece of cake (er – cookie!). Best part is you get to use your hands. That’s always a nice thing as you get a chance to feel the dough get to the right texture as you mix with your fingers. Whenever I teach people in a classroom situation, it’s always about sensing where the dough is – both visually and by touch, as you are making it.
The orange water just gives it a mild aroma that complements the orange extract. I only used 1/4 tsp of orange water as it can overwhelm and destroy even a sweet dish, so use “to taste”. Now go get your hands impeccably clean – not just because of Covid, but in order to make these cookies. Get the vaccine/booster, wash your hands (again), wear a good mask and socialize according to guidelines – please! This is our second Christmas in these times, we are all getting tired right?! As always – enjoy!
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups walnuts, finely chopped
¼ cup sugar
Pinch kosher salt
¼ tsp orange water
1 tsp orange extract
½ cup (8 tbsp/1 stick) softened butter, cut into ¼” cubes (approximately)
1 cup icing sugar
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350° and line a large cookie sheet with parchment
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, walnuts, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla
3. Add butter and, using your hands, combine everything until mixture resembles a coarse meal
4. Form dough into small balls (I did a little less than 1″ diameter) and place on prepared cookie sheet and bake for bake 12 – 14 minutes depending on the size of the balls (you will know they are done when you roll it and it doesn’t break)
6. When they’re still warm but cool enough to touch, roll cookies in powdered sugar
7. Set aside on a rack to cool completely
8. When cool, roll in powdered sugar again before storing (and serving)
Well Why Not (tips and suggestions)
– Use rosewater (1/4 tsp) and chopped almonds
– Flavor the icing sugar with some finely ground walnuts before rolling the warm and cold cookies in
– Use mini chocolate chips or toffee bits instead of nuts
– Crush up some candy canes or use sprinkles instead of the nuts
– Make them small, a little goes a long way
