Few cookies bring the same nostalgic joy as a snowball cookie. Known for their buttery texture and powdered sugar coating, snowball cookies are a holiday favorite that never goes out of style. This snowball cookies recipe is easy to follow, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for everything from cookie swaps to cozy nights by the fire. Whether you call them Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, or butterballs, they all share one irresistible quality—they melt in your mouth. In this guide, we’ll walk through the benefits, ingredients, baking instructions, variations, and tips to help you master this timeless treat.
Key Benefits of Snowball Cookies Recipe
Snowball cookies aren’t just festive—they’re a smart addition to any home baker’s collection. This simple recipe offers convenience, flexibility, and crowd-pleasing charm that never fails.
1. Uses only basic ingredients
With just butter, sugar, flour, and nuts, this recipe comes together with pantry staples. You don’t need specialty items, making these cookies perfect for spontaneous holiday baking.
2. Holds its shape every time
Unlike drop cookies that spread, snowball dough is easy to handle and bakes into neat, uniform rounds. That makes these cookies ideal for baking with kids or assembling elegant holiday cookie trays.
3. Soft and delicate bite
Each cookie has a tender, crumbly texture that dissolves in your mouth. The fine nut pieces add a subtle crunch, while powdered sugar adds a light sweetness on the outside.
4. Freezer-friendly for busy schedules
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to bake. The finished cookies also freeze well, so you can keep a stash ready for guests or gifting.
5. Longer shelf life than most cookies
Because they contain no frosting or perishable fillings, snowball cookies stay fresh in a sealed container for up to two weeks—perfect for shipping or prepping in advance.
6. Endless variations to explore
This classic base can be enhanced with citrus zest, cocoa, or seasonal spices. You can swap the nuts or even add a hidden chocolate chip inside for fun.
These features make snowball cookies a reliable, elegant, and fuss-free treat all season long. Next, we’ll cover all you’ll need to make your own.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies Recipe
You’ll need just a handful of common baking staples to bring this snowball cookies recipe to life. The ingredients below are portioned for a standard batch of about 24–30 cookies, depending on the size of each ball.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional, especially if using unsalted butter)
For Rolling:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating the cookies after baking)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (for a deeper, nutty flavor)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (for a surprise inside)
- 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest (for a citrusy twist)
These simple ingredients form the base of a wonderfully versatile cookie. You can enjoy them as-is or experiment with different nut varieties and flavor infusions. They’re also a festive complement to treats like pumpkin chocolate brownies or Christmas bread for a varied dessert spread.
Next, I’ll guide you through the exact steps to mix, bake, and roll your snowball cookies to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Snowball Cookies Recipe
Snowball cookies are easy to make when you break them down into simple, manageable steps. This process will guide you from raw ingredients to sweet, snowy perfection—all in under an hour.
Step 1: Set Up Your Oven
Start by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C). Use parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat to line your cookie sheet. This will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
Place softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Use a mixer on medium speed to beat them until they’re light in color and smooth in texture. This will take around two to three minutes and forms the creamy base of your dough.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Pour in the vanilla extract (and almond extract if you’re using it). Mix briefly, just enough to blend the flavors throughout the butter mixture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry mix to the butter mixture in portions, blending on low speed. The dough might appear dry and crumbly at first, but continue mixing—it will come together.
Step 5: Mix in the Nuts
Fold in the chopped nuts with a spatula or your hands. Distribute them evenly, but don’t overwork the dough. You should be able to pinch the dough into a ball without it falling apart.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a round ball. Set each one onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. These cookies will keep their shape, so there’s no need to leave large gaps.
Step 7: Bake Until Just Golden
Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. The cookies should stay pale on top while the bottoms turn lightly golden. Remove them from the oven once you see that gentle color shift on the base.
Step 8: Sugar Coating
Let the cookies rest for five minutes on the tray. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, give them a second sugar roll to get that signature snowy coating.
Extra Tip: For holiday flair, mix cinnamon or cardamom into the powdered sugar during the second roll.
Pair them with cozy drinks or serve them alongside other baked favorites like Christmas bread or festive brownies to round out your dessert spread.
Pro Tips & Variations for Snowball Cookies Recipe
Snowball cookies are delightfully simple, but there’s always room to make them even better. These expert techniques and unique flavor ideas will help you fine-tune the process and explore new versions of this classic treat.
Smart Baking Tips for Best Results
Let the butter come to room temperature
Soft butter blends more smoothly and gives the dough its tender structure. Avoid using melted butter—it changes the texture completely.
Use a gentle mixing approach
Once you add the flour, mix only until everything holds together. Overmixing can create a dense or dry result, especially in delicate cookie dough.
Chill briefly for easier shaping
If the dough feels sticky or too warm to roll, place it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Cooler dough holds its shape better and is less likely to crack.
Bake just until golden underneath
Keep an eye on the bottoms. A light golden edge means the cookies are ready. The tops should remain pale to preserve their soft bite.
Roll while warm, then again when cool
Dust cookies in powdered sugar shortly after baking, then do it once more after they cool. The first layer sticks; the second finishes the signature look.
Creative Twists to Try
Nut-free alternative
Skip the nuts and mix in toasted oats or seeds for crunch. This makes the cookies suitable for those with nut allergies.
Cocoa-dusted version
Replace a small portion of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. The result is a soft chocolate cookie with a snowy sugar shell.
Zesty citrus snowballs
Add finely grated zest from an orange, lemon, or lime to the dough. The brightness cuts the richness and adds depth to the flavor.
Spiced-up batch
Add ground ginger, clove, or a dash of cardamom to give your cookies a warming note—perfect for winter.
Center-filled surprise
Tuck a small dried cherry or piece of chocolate into the center of each dough ball. It creates a playful moment in every bite.
Festive coatings
Add crushed candy canes or colored sanding sugar to the powdered sugar for a decorative finish. These look great beside other holiday desserts on the table.
Serving Suggestions for Snowball Cookies Recipe
Snowball cookies might be simple in form, but how you serve them can transform these delicate bites into a standout moment—whether at a cozy family gathering or a formal holiday dessert table. With their soft texture and snowy appearance, they’re ideal for all kinds of festive occasions.
Pair Them with Holiday Classics
Snowball cookies make an excellent addition to any dessert spread. Serve them alongside spiced gingerbread, buttery shortbread, or rich Christmas breads for a sweet variety. Their mild sweetness and crumbly texture balance out heavier treats like frosted cakes or chocolate desserts.
They also complement drinks beautifully. Offer them with hot cocoa, coffee, or chai for a cozy winter pairing. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a glass of chilled eggnog or a citrusy punch.
Gift-Ready and Travel-Friendly
Because these cookies are firm once cooled and have a long shelf life, they’re ideal for gifting. Pack them in a festive tin, mason jar, or holiday box with wax paper between layers. Add a ribbon and a handwritten tag for a thoughtful touch. Snowball cookies also hold up well in transit, so they’re perfect for mailing to friends or family.
You can also include them in homemade cookie assortments, where they add variety in both shape and color. Their round form and powdered coating make them a visual standout among cut-out cookies and bars.
Make Them Part of a Theme
For winter celebrations, serve snowball cookies on a tray with silver sprinkles, sugared cranberries, or frosted pinecones. You can even turn them into edible ornaments—add a small edible glitter dust or lightly drizzle white chocolate for a frosted finish.
To match a seasonal theme, consider pairing them with other festive recipes like Christmas tree-shaped treats or pumpkin-infused brownies. Their snowy finish fits beautifully into any holiday aesthetic.
Conclusion
This snowball cookies recipe is more than just a nostalgic dessert—it’s a celebration of simplicity, flavor, and the joy of home baking. With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can create a treat that brings smiles, whether shared during holidays or enjoyed on a quiet afternoon.
One of the most rewarding parts of this recipe is how adaptable it is. From adding spice blends to swapping in chocolate or citrus, you can personalize every batch to suit your mood or occasion. These cookies also make thoughtful gifts and serve as a beautiful addition to festive dessert trays.
Baking these snowy rounds offers more than just a sweet snack. It brings comfort, sparks tradition, and reminds us why the kitchen is the heart of the home. If you loved this recipe, don’t miss our step-by-step snowball tutorial and explore more holiday favorites like Christmas breads for more cozy inspiration.
FAQs About Snowball Cookies Recipe
What ingredients are typically used in snowball cookies?
A traditional snowball cookies recipe usually includes unsalted butter, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and finely chopped nuts such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts. After baking, each cookie is rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their soft, snowy finish. Some versions may add a hint of almond extract or citrus zest for extra flavor.
Why do my snowball cookies fall apart after baking?
Crumbly snowball cookies are often the result of an imbalanced dough. Too much flour or not enough creaming of the butter can cause the dough to become too dry. Another common issue is under-mixing. Make sure the dough is well combined and holds its shape when gently pressed. Also, avoid baking too long, as overbaking leads to dryness.
How long can snowball cookies be stored?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, snowball cookies can stay fresh for around 10 to 14 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them—either raw or baked—for up to three months. If freezing baked cookies, let them thaw completely and re-roll them in powdered sugar to refresh their appearance.
What are other names for snowball cookies?
This beloved cookie has several regional and cultural aliases. They’re commonly referred to as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or even Butterballs. Despite the different names, the recipes share similar core ingredients and that signature sugar-dusted coating that makes them so recognizable.
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe: Easy, Buttery & Perfectly Powdered
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies recipe made with chopped nuts, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays or gifting.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to butter mixture and blend just until combined.
5. Fold in chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough.
6. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar.
9. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again before serving.
Notes
You can substitute the nuts with mini chocolate chips or toasted seeds for a nut-free version.
For a flavor twist, try adding citrus zest or spices like cinnamon or cardamom.
These cookies freeze well. Re-roll in sugar after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
1 thought on “Snowball Cookies Recipe: Easy, Buttery & Perfectly Powdered”