Melt-in-your-mouth Cheddar Cheese Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Despite their name, they don’t have an overtly cheesy taste; instead, the grated cheddar enriches the dough, adding a tender, creamy texture that elevates the traditional snowball cookie.
Snowball cookies are a holiday staple for many bakers, beloved for their tender crumb and powdered sugar coating. Cheese is an uncommon ingredient in most snowball recipes, but versions that include cheddar are popular in Indonesia. I tried this variation and found it to be a wonderful change—subtle but noticeable in texture and richness. If you haven’t experimented with cheese in cookies before, this recipe is an inviting place to start.
Adding cheddar doesn’t make these cookies taste like savory cheese. Instead, it brings a creamier mouthfeel and a more luxurious flavor profile, producing the perfect melt-in-your-mouth bite. These cookies quickly became a favorite for me; I hope they will be for you too.
How to Make Them Cheesy?
The grated cheddar in this recipe is used in a modest amount so it enhances texture and richness without producing a strong cheese flavor. If you prefer a more pronounced cheesy note, you can increase the cheddar, but be aware that more cheddar will soften the dough and change the cookie’s texture.
For a stronger cheese flavor without making the cookies overly soft, consider using a hard, saltier cheese such as parmesan, aged Edam, or gouda. These cheeses add a savory depth that complements the sweet powdered sugar coating while keeping the cookie structure firmer than simply doubling the cheddar.
More Cookie Recipes
While you’re here, consider trying these other cookie recipes for variety and inspiration.
- Pandan Gula Melaka Butter Cookies
- Biscoff Butter Cookies
- Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies
- Zebra-Striped Matcha Shortbread Cookies
- Coffee Bean Cookies
Cheddar Cheese Snowball Cookies
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Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (150 gr) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (65 gr) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (40 gr) grated cheddar cheese
- 1 3/4 cup (210 gr) all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp (45 gr) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (16 gr) milk powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Confectioners’ sugar, for coating
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, milk powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and combined.
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Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and grated cheddar to the butter mixture and mix until evenly incorporated.
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Sift the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and fold with a spatula until a uniform dough forms.
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Scoop out about 1 1/2 teaspoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bottom edges are just lightly browned.
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Allow the cookies to cool just enough to handle, then roll them in confectioners’ sugar while still warm. Transfer to a rack to cool completely, then roll again in confectioners’ sugar to achieve the classic snowball appearance.