Snowball Cookies Recipe

Imagine biting into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a flurry of sweetness—welcome to the irresistible world of Snowball Cookies! These classic bites, crisp yet tender, are rolled in a generous dusting of powdered sugar that clings like fresh-fallen snow. With their combination of rich, nutty flavor and that signature snowy exterior, Snowball Cookies are a nostalgic joy at holiday gatherings or any time you crave a simple, elegant dessert.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Snowball Cookies truly shine because of their simple ingredients—each one plays a special role, creating a cookie that’s tender, nutty, and beautifully white. Think of this ingredient list as your toolkit for pure cookie happiness, so let’s break down why each element matters!

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and using unsalted lets you control the flavor.
• Powdered sugar (plus more for coating): This acts as both a sweetener and the magical “snow” on top—even the dough is sweetened with it, so you get a smooth, tender bite.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds a gentle warmth and wonderful aroma to every batch.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure, but keeps the cookies light and perfectly crumbly.
• Salt: A pinch of salt sharpens and balances the sweetness, waking up all the flavors.
• Finely chopped pecans or walnuts: Nuts bring that lovely crunch and a nutty richness that makes Snowball Cookies so distinctive.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Give yourself a head start by making sure your butter is nice and soft—this helps everything blend together just right and ensures those signature delicate cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Take your time with this step—the mixture should look light, fluffy, and a little bit dreamy. This is where the melt-in-your-mouth magic begins.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Pour in the pure vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. The vanilla adds that little something-something, turning humble ingredients into an aromatic dough that smells just as good as it tastes.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour and salt to your wet ingredients. Mix just until everything comes together—you want a soft dough, not an overworked one. The key is to keep things tender so every bite of your Snowball Cookies is perfectly delicate.

Step 5: Fold in the Nuts

Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Nuts should be finely chopped so they blend seamlessly into the dough, giving each cookie a perfect balance of crunch and buttery softness.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands (a little sticky is okay!) and arrange them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven for 12 to 14 minutes—the bottoms should turn just golden, but the tops should stay pale.

Step 7: Sugar Snowfall

Once the cookies come out, let them cool for just five minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm (but cool enough to handle), roll each one in powdered sugar. Then let them finish cooling on a wire rack, and give them one more roll in powdered sugar for that irresistible snowy look. This double-dusting is the secret to the iconic Snowball Cookies finish!

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

For a festive touch, try sprinkling a pinch of edible glitter over the cookies’ snowy tops, or add a few crushed nuts for a beautiful contrast. Traditionalists swear by the simple, double-coating of powdered sugar—which gives every Snowball Cookie its signature blanket of “snow.”

Side Dishes

These cookies are the perfect companion to a cozy cup of spiced chai, creamy hot chocolate, or robust espresso. If you’re serving for a crowd, plate Snowball Cookies alongside a selection of citrusy shortbread or chocolate bark for a delightful dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Snowball Cookies high in a crystal-clear footed bowl for a snowy mountain effect, or gift them in festive tins lined with parchment and tied with a ribbon. For extra charm, you can layer them between strips of decorative paper for a truly gift-worthy presentation that’s as special as the cookies themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to a week. If you’re layering them in a tin, add a piece of parchment between layers so the sugar stays fluffy and doesn’t get sticky.

Freezing

Snowball Cookies freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature before giving them a fresh roll in powdered sugar to revive that snowy magic.

Reheating

No reheating required—just bring frozen cookies to room temperature and enjoy. If you want, you can refresh their “snow” with another quick dusting of powdered sugar (it sticks best if the cookies are the tiniest bit warm, so let them sit out of the freezer for 10 minutes first).

FAQs

Can I make Snowball Cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! If you need a nut-free option, simply leave out the pecans or walnuts and substitute with mini chocolate chips or toasted coconut. The texture will change slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious and full of flavor.

Why didn’t my Snowball Cookies hold their shape?

If your cookies spread or flatten, it’s usually a sign that your dough was too warm or you used too much butter. Rolling the dough into balls and chilling them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before baking can help keep them perfectly round and pillowy.

Can I use a different type Dessert

Stick with all-purpose flour for the most authentic texture, but if you want to experiment with gluten-free blends, choose one specifically meant as a cup-for-cup substitute. Results may vary, but many readers have had success!

Is there a way to make Snowball Cookies vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter alternative and make sure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. The result is just as tender and delicious as the traditional version.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Of course! Snowball Cookies are perfect for big gatherings. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly in each batch, and consider dividing the dough to make it easier to handle and bake evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that always impresses yet couldn’t be easier, you can’t go wrong with Snowball Cookies. Whether you share them at a holiday party or savor them with an afternoon cup of tea, there’s something truly heartwarming about these nutty, snowy, sweet little bites. Give them a try—your kitchen might just become everyone’s favorite snowy wonderland!

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