These Snowball Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat — buttery, nutty, tender, and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar that gives them their iconic snowy appearance. They’re melt-in-your-mouth soft, lightly crisp on the outside, and irresistibly sweet without being heavy. Every bite delivers delicate buttery crumbs and finely chopped nuts wrapped in a soft, cloud-like cookie. Often known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these classic holiday bites have been beloved for generations. They’re incredibly simple to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and always look beautiful on cookie trays, gift boxes, and festive dessert tables. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a winter gathering, or simply craving a nostalgic holiday cookie, these little snowballs never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies
You’ll love this recipe because the cookies are incredibly easy yet taste like bakery-style perfection. They use minimal ingredients, come together quickly, and bake beautifully even for beginner bakers. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture feels luxurious, while the nutty flavor keeps them cozy and comforting. They hold their shape well, making them ideal for gifting, stacking, and storing. Additionally, these cookies stay fresh for days, even improving in flavor over time as the buttery richness deepens.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love simple holiday baking that still feels special, these cookies are perfect. No rolling pins, no chilling, no complicated steps — just mix, shape, bake, and roll in powdered sugar. Their versatility also makes them a fantastic recipe to customize: switch the nuts, add spices, drizzle with chocolate, or flavor them with almond or vanilla extract. Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with coffee, hot cocoa, tea, or a holiday charcuterie board, making them a must for winter baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 cup unsalted butter (softened), ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, and 1–1½ cups powdered sugar for rolling. Optional flavor additions: almond extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder, or orange zest.
How to Make Snowball Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix again until fully incorporated.
Step 2 – Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Add the chopped nuts and mix gently until evenly distributed.
Step 3 – Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 4 – Bake the Cookies: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
Step 5 – First Sugar Roll: Let the cookies cool for 2–3 minutes, then roll them warm in powdered sugar. This creates the first layer of the “snowy” coating.
Step 6 – Second Sugar Roll: After the cookies have cooled completely, roll them again in powdered sugar for a thick, fluffy, picture-perfect coating.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough. Finely chop the nuts for even texture. Don’t overbake — they should stay pale. Roll while warm to help the sugar stick. Roll again when cool for the perfect snowy finish. Use high-quality vanilla for deeper flavor. Add almond extract for classic holiday aroma. Freeze dough balls for easy holiday prep. Store in an airtight container to keep cookies soft. Dust with extra sugar right before serving for the prettiest presentation.
Variations & Substitutions
- Almond Snowballs: Replace nuts with finely ground almonds.
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips.
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Lemon Snowballs: Add lemon zest and a touch of lemon extract.
- Pistachio Snowballs: Use chopped pistachios instead of pecans.
- Cocoa Snowballs: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Hazelnut Snowballs: Perfect for Nutella-lovers.
- Holiday Confetti: Add crushed peppermint.
- Walnut Maple: Add a splash of maple extract.
What to Serve With Snowball Cookies
Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, eggnog, chai tea, or holiday cocktails. Add them to Christmas cookie trays, dessert platters, or edible gift boxes. They also pair beautifully with fruit, cheesecake, chocolate mousse, or gingerbread treats.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- To Store: Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 1 week. They stay soft, buttery, and perfectly coated when stored properly.
- To Freeze Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked snowball cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature and roll them in a fresh layer of powdered sugar for a perfect snowy finish.
- To Freeze the Dough: Shape the dough into balls and freeze them unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through evenly.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use different nuts? Yes — pecans, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios all work well.
- Can I make them nut-free? Replace nuts with mini chocolate chips or omit entirely.
- Why did my cookies spread? The butter may have been too soft; chill dough briefly next time.
- Do I have to roll them twice in powdered sugar? Yes, it creates the classic snowball finish.
- Can I flavor them with almond extract? Absolutely — it’s delicious.
- Can I add chocolate inside? Yes, place a chocolate chip in the center before rolling.
- Can I make them ahead? They’re perfect make-ahead cookies and last for days.
- Can I make them gluten-free? Use a high-quality 1:1 GF flour blend.
- Why are they crumbly? Snowballs are naturally delicate — handle gently.
- How long do they stay fresh? About 7–10 days stored properly.