Tropical Hawaiian Snowballs (Hawaiian-Style Russian Tea Cookies)

Tropical Hawaiian Snowballs (Hawaiian-Style Russian Tea Cookies)

These delicious cookies are like snowballs in that when they are left out they disappear quickly. No, they don't melt, but it seems that they attract little menehune (Hawaiian elves) that just love to gobble them all up when you're not looking!

Cooking time includes 30 minutes for cookies to cool off.

Also feel free to play around with the extracts. I have used pineapple extract with coconut extract, coconut and banana, and butter, rum and vanilla. All have come out well!

Ingredients

  • butter

    unsalted

    2 c
  • powdered sugar

    sifted

    2 c
  • pure vanilla extract
    1 tsp
  • coconut extract
    1 tsp
  • flour
    5 c
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • macadamia nuts

    finely chopped

    1 ½ c
  • powdered sugar

    sifted, for rolling

    3 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line 5 cookie sheets with parchment paper, or spray with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and vanilla and coconut extracts.

  3. 3

    Sift together the flour and the salt.

  4. 4

    Slowly add to the butter mixture.

  5. 5

    Add nuts. Mix until blended well.

  6. 6

    Roll into small, bite sized balls. (about 3/4 of an ounce or 2 tablespoons). I like to use a small #40 portion disher (small, 3/4 ounce sized, ice cream scoop) and place 1-inch apart on prepared cookie sheet.

  7. 7

    Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until slightly golden.

  8. 8

    While still warm, (not hot, not cold) roll through powdered sugar.

  9. 9

    Keeps about a week (but they won't be around that long) in an air-tight container.

Tropical Hawaiian Snowballs (Hawaiian-Style Russian Tea Cookies)

Tropical Hawaiian Snowballs (Hawaiian-Style Russian Tea Cookies)

5.0(2)130 cal

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 2 ratings

food.com
5.0(2 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Looking for an easy, irresistible cookie recipe that disappears as quickly as fresh snow on a warm day? These Tropical Hawaiian Snowballs are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, especially during the holidays.

What sets these 'snowballs' apart is the delightful combination of macadamia nuts and fragrant tropical extracts like coconut, offering a unique island escape in every bite. They're wonderfully easy to make, perfect for even the most beginner cook, and designed to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

Prepare for a cookie that is delicately sweet, with a wonderfully tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite reveals the rich flavor of butter, the satisfying crunch of finely chopped macadamia nuts, and a fragrant whisper of tropical coconut, all encased in a soft, powdery sugar coating. This easy recipe creates a delightful experience that feels both familiar and exotic, perfect for sharing.

Customization & Variations

The beauty of these Hawaiian-style snowballs lies in their adaptability with flavor. Feel free to experiment with different extract combinations: try pineapple extract with coconut extract, a simple blend of coconut and banana, or a richer mix of butter, rum, and vanilla for a different flavor profile. All variations promise delicious results.

These inexpensive, easy-to-make cookies are an ideal addition to your Christmas cookie platters, holiday gatherings, or any event where you need a delightful dessert for a large group.

Frequently Asked Questions