Delicate and buttery, snowball cookies are a holiday classic that melt in your mouth. Coated generously in powdered sugar, these delightful treats pair perfectly with a warm drink and are sure to brighten your festive gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy these cookies are to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. Their light, nutty flavor and tender texture make them irresistible. Plus, they look like little snowballs, adding a whimsical touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Directions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, I beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Then I mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually, I mix in the flour and salt until the dough forms. Next, I fold in the finely chopped nuts.
Shape the Cookies:
I roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
Bake:
I bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, just until the bottoms turn lightly golden. After baking, I let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Coat in Sugar:
While the cookies are still warm, I roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. Once cooled completely, I roll them again in powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish.
Serve:
I store the cookies in an airtight container and serve them as a festive treat with tea or coffee.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
Variations
Nut-Free Option: Replace the nuts with finely shredded coconut or omit them altogether.
Flavor Boost: Add a touch of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for extra depth.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.
Chocolatey Twist: Drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate or roll them in cocoa powder after the first sugar coating.
Holiday Flair: Mix in red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
Storage/Reheating
I store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. If frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before serving. There’s no reheating required as these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Related Recipes:
- Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies
- Sweetened Condensed Milk Snowball Cookies
FAQs
How do I keep the cookies from crumbling?
Using softened butter and finely chopped nuts helps bind the dough. Be gentle when shaping and coating the cookies to avoid crumbling.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but I reduce the added salt to maintain the balance of flavors.
Do I have to roll them in sugar twice?
Rolling them twice gives a thicker, more even coating, but one coating will still taste delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! I chill the dough for up to 24 hours and bake the cookies fresh when needed.
What other nuts can I use?
Hazelnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts work wonderfully in this recipe.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are a timeless favorite that never fails to delight. Their buttery, nutty flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating make them a festive addition to any holiday celebration. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these cookies are a treat worth making.
📖 Recipe:
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Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate, buttery snowball cookies are a holiday classic that melt in your mouth. Made with simple ingredients, these nutty cookies are coated in powdered sugar, adding a whimsical snowy touch to any festive gathering. Perfect for sharing or savoring with a warm drink.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and salt. Fold in chopped nuts.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. Cool slightly.
- Coat in Sugar: Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once cooled, roll again for a thick coating.
- Serve: Store in an airtight container. Serve with tea or coffee for a festive treat.
Notes
For a nut-free option, use shredded coconut or omit nuts.
Experiment with flavor by adding almond extract or cinnamon.
Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Store at room temperature for a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
