Wintertime calls for cozy treats that warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth, and these let it snow cookies fit the bill perfectly. Soft, buttery, and covered in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar, this recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the season right from your own kitchen.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or simply craving a comforting cookie, you’ll love how easy it is to create these charming let it snow cookies. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of 12 cookies that are as delicious as they are festive.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: uses pantry staples you likely already have.
- Quick prep: ready to bake in under 20 minutes.
- Soft, tender texture: melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Festive look: snowy powdered sugar coating perfect for winter.
- Versatile: great for gifting, parties, or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Gather these easy-to-find ingredients to make your let it snow cookies. The quantities below yield 12 soft, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 160 per cookie
How to Make Let It Snow (12 Cookies) - Etsy
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll dough into 12 even balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated, then place back on the rack to cool completely and set the snowy finish.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough; stop once flour disappears to keep cookies tender.
- For extra snowy effect, dust cookies with powdered sugar again after they’ve cooled.
- Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft to shape easily.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness.
Storage and Reheating
Store your let it snow cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to keep them soft and fresh. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the freezer for up to 3 months, separated by parchment paper.
To reheat, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to revive their soft texture and snowy look. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance flavors. Salted butter may slightly alter the sweetness and texture.
What makes these cookies soft instead of crispy?
The combination of creamed butter and sugar, along with the baking time, creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture rather than a crispy one.
Can I add flavors like almond or lemon?
Absolutely! Substitute vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a different twist, or add a teaspoon of citrus zest for extra brightness.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting off?
Coat the cookies while they’re warm but not hot and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. You can also dust them again once cooled for a stronger snowy effect.
