The air is crisp here in Michigan today, and Jack Frost made an appearance. Winter is brewing, however, it’s getting up to 50 this week. I am in the mood for snow, so maybe that’s why I wanted to post my grandfather’s recipe today. These Butter Ball Cookies have always reminded me of snow balls…
I grew up watching my Mom & Dad make these for Christmas. I remember being allowed to roll them in the sugar after they had cooled to a warm temperature. The recipe comes from my grandfather, Cyril, whom I never got to meet because he passed away before I was born.
Cy wasn’t only handsome, he was a great cook and he loved to decorate his home.
Here’s his original recipe…
I hope you try them!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks softened)
- 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup nuts chopped fine (pecans or walnuts)
- (extra confectioners suger for rolling balls in at end)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Combine butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla, flour, and nuts.
Blend thoroughly until dough forms.
Roll into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake approx. 20 minutes or until lightly brown.
Roll the balls in confectionary sugar while they are still warm.
https://redheadcandecorate.com/2015/12/butter-ball-christmas-cookies/
Tags: best butterball cookies, butter ball christmas cookies, Butter Ball Cookies, butter cookies, butterball cookies, christmas cookies, snowball cookies
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Is there supposed to be granulated sugar mixed with the butter?
I fixed the mix up, Donna. The recipe does call for 1/2 cup of confectioners sugar in the actual dough. Hope you try them!!
I definitely will make them. Thanks!
These are absolutely wonderful! My grandchildren call them “Moose Knuckles’! I have no idea how they ever came up with a name like that, but they are wanting ” Barber” (that’s what they call me ¿?¿?) to bmake them some “moose knuckles” for Santa Claus.
That is hysterical! Moose Knuckles, lol!
These are my favorite cookies! I’ve always called them wedding cookies? But either way — To. Die. For.
My favorite cookies!
It’s your Mom, I will never forget how I waited for my Dad’s Butterball Cookie recipe, I was a new bride up in Plattsburg, N.Y. with my new husband who was in the Air Force at the time. He was stationed with The Strategic Air Command, it was during the Cold War era and the first time to be away from home. My good, faithful Dad came through with the recipe, then, almost 61 years ago; it had to be mailed. Good, faithful Dad came through, as always, thanks Dad, I love you. Joanne (then called Susie)
I love these cookies. I have made them for years and have known them as”wedding cookies” and “pecan balls”. They are one of my favorite cookies and I think they also look so pretty.
My mother also made these wonderful cookies only at Christmas time. First time I have seen them referred to as “Butter Balls” which is what she called them. I have been making them now for at least 60 years and still they are one of my favorites. My recipe calls for 1/2 tsp. almond extract along with the vanilla in your recipe.
I will try that, Sali! Thank you ~ Julie
You can see when I cut it to half rec
ipe years ago, love, Dad
I was wondering who dad that!
I so can’t wait to try these and love the fact both your mom and dad comment to add to the history <3
Hi Julie, I’m from Buffalo and had to chuckle about the Bills ornament!
I make the Butter ball cookies every Christmas only my Mom called them Russian tea cakes . no matter what they are called they are fantastic! Merry Christmas.
I’m from Buffalo, Tina 😉 Merry Christmas! ~ Julie
My mom made at Christmas time also. She called them snowball cookies. Our whole families loves all the way down to the grand babies. Merry Christmas from our home to yours.
Your late grandfather looks so yummy, LOL! and the cookies don’t look bad either. Can’t wait to make some.
I have also made these cookies for years and they are one of my favorite cookies. They look so pretty.
Unlike most of your readers/followers that commented, has made these butter ball cookies, I have not, but I will be changing that this weekend. I love all of your scrumptious recipes. Thank you for sharing them. Been a while since I’ve been able to comment, the boy got me running. Soccer games/practices 3-4X’s a week. Heaven help me
[…] all running around trying to get things done before Santa comes. So, take a quick break, grab a Butter Ball Cookie, a cup of coffee, and find some cute ideas for your family members, friends, or even your hair […]
[…] all running around trying to get things done before Santa comes. So, take a quick break, grab a Butter Ball Cookie, a cup of coffee, and find some cute ideas for your family members, friends, or even your hair […]
Julie, i love the cherished memories and a recipe handed down. I must try these for a cookie swap I’m going to next weekend.
Hi Julie:
I love the picture of your Dad, you look a little like him. I am going to make his butterball cookies for Christmas this year.
Cheers, Bette
Thank you, Bette!