German Butterballs
Indulge in the delicate charm of German Butterballs, a classic holiday cookie that simply melts in your mouth. These tender, buttery treats are made with a rich blend of unsalted butter, finely chopped nuts, and a hint of vanilla for a subtle warmth in every bite. Their signature double coating of powdered sugar adds a festive sweetness and a snowy finish, making them a must-have for winter celebrations and cookie trays. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a simple, no-fuss method, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels. Serve these nutty delights with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a truly irresistible snack that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Try this easy German Butterballs recipe and bring a little Old-World charm to your kitchen today!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, and mix on low speed until combined. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Fold in the finely chopped nuts with a wooden spoon or spatula.
Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain their tender texture.
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes.
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in the remaining powdered sugar, coating them completely. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a thicker coating.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for up to a month.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2811 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.4 g | 172% | |
| Saturated Fat | 59.4 g | 297% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 248 mg | 83% | |
| Sodium | 22 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 378.8 g | 138% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.5 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 186.0 g | ||
| Protein | 33.6 g | 67% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 119 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 544 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
