Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking those delightful cookies!

2. Step 2

   In a shallow bowl, sift the confectioners' sugar and mix in the finely-chopped walnuts if you're using them. Set this sweet mixture aside for later; it will add a lovely crunch and flavor to your cookies.

3. Step 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable shortening, softened butter, cream cheese, and white sugar. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture is creamy and well-blended. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

4. Step 4

   Next, add the almond extract and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture, followed by the all-purpose flour. Stir everything together until just combined. You want a nice, soft dough that holds together well.

5. Step 5

   Now, it's time to shape your cookies! Scoop up rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place these little dough balls about 1 1/2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. They will spread a bit while baking, so give them some space!

6. Step 6

   Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake the cookies until they turn slightly golden at the edges, which should take about 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft and tender!

7. Step 7

   Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about a minute. While they are still warm, roll them in the confectioners' sugar-walnut mixture. This will create a beautiful snowy coating that makes them look as delightful as they taste!