Cookie Recipe #15 - Snowballs

I'm a little late getting a new recipe up today because we decided to take a ride out by the coast. Today is the beginning of 7-8 days of rain storms and wind arriving which usually makes the waves on the ocean something to observe. Mother Nature puts on quite a show. Our friends, Anand and Sharon, live in Aptos in a house overlooking the ocean. The waves weren't overly powerful, but are still fun to watch. So, I started this recipe before we left, stuck it in the refrigerator, then took off. All I had to do when I got home was bake them.

Snowballs are known by other names: Mexican Wedding Cookies, Walnut Balls, etc. They consist of walnut-filled dough rolled in powdered sugar. There are also variations of recipes for this cookie, but the following is the one I have found most tasty and retains its shape better than others.

Ingredients: 3 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 t. cinnamon, 1 1/2 cup (3 sticks)butter, softened, 3/4 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla, 1/2 tablespoon almond extract, 1 cup or more of powdered sugar, 2 cups ground walnuts.

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Measure out the powdered sugar and place in small bowl; set aside. In large mixing bowl, cream butter; add corn syrup, vanilla and almond extract; mix well. Sift flour and cinnamon over dough, then blend completely. Stir in walnuts. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (good time to go look at the waves or enjoy some other form of nature!).

Using floured fingers and spoon, form dough into 2 inch balls and roll in a bowl of powdered sugar until completely covered. Place on ungreased baking sheets about 2 1/2 inches apart. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 13-15 minutes. Cookies should crackle a little on top, but should retain their shape and upon lifting have a lightly browned bottom. Allow to cool on baking sheet for a minute, then, if desired, you may roll them a second time in the powdered sugar before placing them on cooling racks.

Makes about 5 dozen balls. Have a napkin ready for the powdered sugar spillings if you don't pop them in your mouth quick enough!

Cookies Rule!!!