These Walnut Snowball Cookies are easy, buttery shortbread cookies filled with pieces of crushed toasted walnuts. Plus, these are vegan, egg-free, and dairy-free so you can share these delicious Christmas shortbread cookies with family and friends.
You can find the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, video, storage instructions, detailed allergy swaps, FAQ, and save at: https://www.theconsciousplantkitchen.com/walnut-snowball-cookies/ or scan the QR code here ➡️
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and lightly oil them with coconut oil. Set aside.
Toast walnuts
Place the whole walnut halves on a non-stick baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake them for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and toasted.
Cool down on a cooled plate, then finely chop walnuts on a chopping board with a sharp knife. Set aside.
Cookie dough
In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat softened plant-based butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in flour and beat on the low-speed setting to incorporate. The dough is ready when everything comes together into a creamy batter.
Fold in chopped, cooled walnuts and beat for a few seconds to incorporate.
Film the bowl with plastic wrap or a silicone lid.
Chill the dough for 15 minutes in the fridge.
Meanwhile, prepare a bowl with extra powdered sugar to roll the cookies after baking.
Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into 15 balls of the same size - about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough each. Roll each dough ball nicely between your hands and place it on the prepared cookie sheet, leaving half a thumb of space between each.
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until just golden brown at 350°F (180°C).
Cool them down for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then 5 minutes on a wire rack until lukewarm.
Roll the lukewarm cookies into the bowl with powdered sugar to fully coat.
Cool down the walnut snowball cookies on a wire rack.
Storage
Store in a sealed cookie jar at room temperature for 4-6 days or for a week in the fridge.