Snowball Cookies Recipe

Snowball Cookies Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to Buttery Holiday Perfection

Snowball Cookies are one of those rare desserts that perfectly capture the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. They’re buttery, soft, and rolled in a thick layer of powdered sugar that makes them look like little snowballs straight out of a winter wonderland. Known around the world by many names — Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs, or simply Christmas Snowballs — these cookies are loved for their rich flavor, crumbly texture, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

What makes these cookies truly irresistible is their simplicity. There’s no need for fancy tools, chilling the dough for hours, or complicated ingredients. Just butter, sugar, flour, and nuts — and yet the result is divine. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering, gifting them during the holidays, or simply enjoying a quiet evening treat, Snowball Cookies never disappoint.

What Are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball Cookies are classic shortbread-style cookies made with finely chopped nuts and coated in powdered sugar. They have a crumbly, buttery texture that melts on your tongue. Traditionally, they’re made during Christmas and other celebrations, but their simplicity makes them a perfect all-year-round treat.

These cookies are not too sweet — the dough itself is mildly flavored, allowing the buttery richness and nutty aroma to shine. The powdered sugar coating adds the right touch of sweetness and gives them their signature snowy look.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: No special tools or exotic ingredients required.
• Quick and easy: From bowl to oven in under 10 minutes.
• Perfect texture: Tender, crumbly, and buttery — never dry or hard.
• Versatile: Ideal for holidays, weddings, parties, or everyday snacking.
• Long shelf life: Stays fresh for over a week and freezes beautifully.
• Eye-catching presentation: They look elegant and festive, perfect for gift boxes or cookie platters.

Ingredients and Their Purpose

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the star ingredient here. It gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness in the dough balances the buttery base without overpowering it.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth, aroma, and depth to every bite.
• ¼ teaspoon fine-grain sea salt: Enhances all flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure, allowing the cookies to hold their shape while remaining delicate.
• 2 cups finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans: Nuts add crunch, flavor, and authenticity to traditional snowball cookies. Pecans give a softer, buttery taste, while almonds offer a delicate crispness.
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (for coating): The final “snowy” touch that makes these cookies beautiful and irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
3. Mix dry ingredients: Add salt, flour, and finely chopped nuts. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
4. Shape the dough: Roll small portions into 1-inch balls. You can also slightly flatten them if you prefer a disk shape.
5. Place on baking sheet: Arrange cookies about 1 inch apart. They won’t spread much while baking.
6. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until bottoms are light golden. The tops should remain pale.
7. First sugar coating: Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still warm. The heat helps the sugar stick.
8. Cool and coat again: Once completely cool, roll each cookie again in powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy finish.

Pro Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies

• Toast your nuts: Toast chopped nuts in a skillet or oven for 5–7 minutes to enhance their flavor and aroma.
• Use real butter: Margarine or substitutes will not produce the same texture or flavor.
• Do not overbake: These cookies should stay pale. Overbaking will make them dry and crumbly.
• Powdered sugar timing: Roll once while warm, and once again after cooling for that perfect coating.
• Uniform size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even baking and consistent texture.

Serving Suggestions

Snowball Cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. You can serve them:

• On a holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread and sugar cookies.
• As part of a dessert buffet for weddings or family gatherings.
• With a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive twist.
• In gift boxes tied with ribbons during Christmas — they’re stunning and thoughtful.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Snowballs: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
• Nut-Free Snowballs: Substitute nuts with crushed cornflakes or toasted coconut.
• Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Lemon Snowballs: Add lemon zest and a teaspoon of juice for a refreshing citrus touch.
• Almond Snowballs: Replace vanilla with almond extract for a deeper nutty flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough: This can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined.
• Using cold butter: Butter should be soft for proper blending and smooth texture.
• Skipping the second sugar coat: It adds sweetness and makes them picture-perfect.
• Storing before cooling: Condensation will melt the sugar coating. Let them cool completely first.

Storage and Freezing

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7–10 days. To freeze, layer cookies with wax paper and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and roll again in powdered sugar if needed.

Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply shape and bake directly from chilled dough. You may need to add an extra 2–3 minutes of baking time.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use whole wheat flour for added fiber (expect slightly denser cookies).
• Replace some butter with coconut oil for a tropical touch.
• Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the dough for a lower-sugar version (keep powdered sugar for coating).

Snowball Cookies Around the World

These cookies are famous worldwide under different names:

• Russian Tea Cakes – Usually made with walnuts and served with tea.
• Mexican Wedding Cookies – Often flavored with cinnamon and almonds.
• Italian Butterballs – Made with hazelnuts and sometimes shaped larger.
• Greek Kourabiedes – A similar version dusted with powdered sugar and sometimes infused with rosewater.

FAQs About Snowball Cookies

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce added salt to a pinch to balance the flavor.

Why do my cookies flatten?

This can happen if the butter is too soft. Chill the dough for 10 minutes before baking next time.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes! Mini chocolate chips work wonderfully for a fun variation.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not required, but if your kitchen is warm, chilling for 15–20 minutes can help cookies hold shape better.

Can I use other extracts?

Absolutely — almond, coconut, or even rum extract can add unique flavor.

Expert Baker Tips

• Always measure flour correctly — spoon into the cup and level it off. Too much flour makes dry cookies.
• Double-coat the sugar — once warm, once cool — for the best appearance and taste.
• Use finely chopped nuts — large pieces will cause cookies to crumble easily.
• For extra flair, sprinkle edible glitter or drizzle melted white chocolate after cooling.

Serving Ideas for Holidays

These cookies are perfect for Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving desserts, weddings, or baby showers. Arrange them in white paper cups on a red tray for a festive contrast. Add them to a cookie exchange platter with chocolate crinkles, peanut butter blossoms, and sugar cookies — they’ll be the first to disappear!

Why This Recipe Works So Well

It’s all about balance — the buttery base provides richness, the nuts add crunch and flavor, and the powdered sugar gives a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. Baking them at a lower temperature keeps them tender, while the double sugar roll creates that perfect snowy coating. It’s a tried-and-true classic that never fails.

Conclusion

Snowball Cookies are more than just cookies — they’re memories baked into every bite. Their buttery aroma fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, reminding you of holidays past and cozy winter evenings. Simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious, these cookies prove that the best desserts don’t need to be complicated.

Whether you make them for Christmas, a wedding, or a quiet afternoon treat, these cookies will always bring smiles. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create your own snowball magic today!

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Keywords: Snowball Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterball Cookies, Holiday Cookie Recipe, Christmas Cookies, Classic Cookie Recipes