Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies – Buttery, Nutty, and Dusted with Sweet Magic

Whether you call them Snowball Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Mexican Wedding Cookies, one thing is certain — these melt-in-your-mouth, powdered sugar-coated delights are a holiday favorite around the world. Perfectly round, buttery, and lightly sweet with a nutty crunch, Snowball Cookies are easy to make and even easier to love.

These cookies are ideal for Christmas cookie trays, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

 What Are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball Cookies are tender, shortbread-like cookies made with butter, flour, powdered sugar, and finely chopped nuts. Once baked, they’re rolled (twice!) in powdered sugar to give them their classic snowball appearance.

These cookies are:

  • Rich and buttery

  • Lightly sweet with a nutty base

  • Easy to make with just a few ingredients

  • Perfect for make-ahead baking and freezing

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  •  6 simple ingredients

  •  No eggs needed

  •  Freezer-friendly & travel-safe

  •  Great for gifting and holiday baking!

 Ingredients

Makes about 24 cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and creamy. Mix in the vanilla.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the flour and salt. Mix until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

4. Shape the Dough

Scoop and roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake

Bake for 12–14 minutes or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Let cool for 5 minutes.

6. Coat in Powdered Sugar

While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool completely, then roll again for a thick, snowy finish.

 Notes

  • Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds all work beautifully. Toast them for extra flavor.

  • Don’t overbake: The cookies should be pale with just a light golden bottom.

  • Chilling optional: If dough feels too soft, chill for 20 minutes before rolling.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

  • Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.

 Serving Ideas

  • Serve with hot chocolate or spiced tea

  • Add to cookie boxes or holiday platters

  • Drizzle with white chocolate or add a pinch of cinnamon to the sugar for a twist

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these cookies without nuts?
A: Yes! You can omit the nuts, though the texture and flavor will change slightly. Try adding mini chocolate chips instead.

Q: Why do my cookies crumble?
A: Snowball cookies are delicate by nature. Let them cool slightly before handling, and be gentle when rolling in sugar.

Q: Can I use a food processor for the dough?
A: Absolutely — just pulse gently to avoid overmixing.

 Final Thoughts

These Snowball Cookies are timeless, tender, and as magical as the season itself. With their crumbly shortbread texture and snowy finish, they’re the kind of treat that brings smiles, memories, and a little holiday sparkle to every bite.


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Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies


  • Author: kecha

Description

These classic Snowball Cookies are rich, buttery, and studded with finely chopped nuts, then rolled twice in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. Known also as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, they’re a melt-in-your-mouth holiday favorite perfect for gifting, cookie trays, or enjoying with a cup of coffee.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts


Instructions

  • Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Cream Butter and Sugar
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well.

  • Add Dry Ingredients
    Stir in flour and salt until combined. Fold in chopped nuts. The dough will be thick.

  • Shape the Dough
    Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

  • Bake
    Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes.

  • Coat in Powdered Sugar
    While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll again for a thicker coating.

Notes

  • Nuts: Use pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Toast them first for deeper flavor.

  • Double coat: Rolling in sugar twice ensures a snowy, sweet finish.

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

  • Freezer friendly: Freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies for up to 2 months.

  • No nuts? Substitute mini chocolate chips or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.

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