Snow Bulgarians

Snowballs: Eggless Christmas Cookies that are Soft and Delicious

Christmas is the perfect time to try cookie recipes that bring a touch of magic to every celebration. Today, I will share a special recipe for snowballs, cookies that resemble fluffy snowballs and melt in your mouth. These cookies are perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea or warm milk, making them an ideal choice for a quick and simple dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Number of servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients:
- 225 g butter, at room temperature
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 50 g powdered sugar (for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- a pinch of salt
- 100 g hazelnuts, roasted and coarsely chopped
- candied fruit (e.g., cherries or candied oranges)

Step 1: Making the butter cream
In a large bowl, start by mixing the softened butter with 80 g of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to obtain a smooth and fluffy cream. Make sure the butter is well incorporated and the mixture becomes airy. This step is essential for the fine texture of the cookies.

Step 2: Combining the dry ingredients
Add a pinch of salt and 250 g of the 300 g flour. Mix using a spatula or wooden spoon until a dough forms that does not stick to your hands. If the dough is too soft, add one tablespoon of the remaining flour (50 g) until it becomes non-sticky. This can vary depending on the moisture of the ingredients, so pay attention to the consistency.

Step 3: Adding the hazelnuts
Once you have the perfect dough, add the roasted and chopped hazelnuts. Mix well to distribute them evenly in the dough. The hazelnuts add a delicious flavor and a crunchy texture to the cookies.

Step 4: Chilling the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This step not only firms up the dough but also helps develop the flavors, making the cookies more delicious.

Step 5: Preparing to bake
Preheat the oven to 190°C (high temperature). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 6: Shaping the cookies
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and form balls about 2-3 cm in diameter. In the center of each ball, place a piece of candied fruit. These will add a touch of sweetness and color to your cookies.

Step 7: Baking the cookies
Place the balls on the baking tray, leaving space between them as they will spread slightly while baking. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, being careful to keep them pale, not golden.

Step 8: Rolling in sugar
Once the cookies are ready, let them cool on the tray for a few minutes, then roll them in the remaining powdered sugar. This will give them a snowball appearance and a sweet touch on the outside.

Serving suggestion:
These snowballs are wonderful served with a cup of citrus tea or hot chocolate. For an added touch of elegance, you can sprinkle some coconut flakes on top for a fresh snow look.

Customized variant:
If you want to add a more intense flavor, you can use pecans instead of hazelnuts or add a few drops of almond extract to the butter mixture. These small variations can transform the recipe into an even more special treat.

Enjoy these snowballs with family and friends, and turn your Christmas into a feast full of flavors and joy!