Name: Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

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Delicate, crumbly, and dusted in a blanket of sweet powdered sugar, Snowball Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone seeking a blend of nostalgia and melt-in-your-mouth magic. These festive little cookies, sometimes known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, look like freshly fallen snowballs—hence the name. With a tender pecan-studded center and a double coat of powdered sugar, they’re a celebration classic you’ll want to bake year-round and share with everyone you know!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The true charm of Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity: just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create something elegant and irresistible. Each ingredient brings its own note—richness, sweetness, crunch, or that signature snowy finish!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The base of these cookies, butter delivers richness and that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for rolling): Lends sweetness to the dough and creates the iconic snowy coating.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Just a splash lifts the flavor, adding warmth and depth.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Essential for structure, yet gentle enough to keep the cookies tender.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (3/4 cup): Nuts add delicious crunch and a buttery, earthy flavor—toast them for even more depth!

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze—this little step sets you up for cookie success!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter together with 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step ensures your Snowball Cookies are rich and tender right from the start.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Even a small amount makes a huge difference, enveloping your kitchen in cozy baked-cookie aromas.

Step 4: Stir in Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt to your butter mixture. Gently mix just until combined—overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when no streaks of flour remain. The dough will be a little crumbly, but that’s exactly what you want!

Step 5: Fold in the Nuts

Using a spatula or spoon, fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Make sure the nuts are evenly distributed for that perfect nutty surprise in every bite. If you toasted the nuts ahead of time, you’ll notice an extra layer of aroma wafting up as you stir.

Step 6: Scoop and Roll the Dough

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion between your palms until smooth and round—this step is fun and a little therapeutic! Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your cookies into the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. The goal is to keep the tops pale while the bottoms just start to turn golden. Don’t overbake—these cookies are famously delicate and their texture is all about tenderness.

Step 8: Double Coat in Powdered Sugar

Once your Snowball Cookies leave the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then give them a second roll for that beautiful, snowy finish. Each bite will be perfectly sweet, with a little dusty sugar halo!

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

Snowball Cookies truly shine with their powdered sugar blanket, but you can dress them up even further! Try a sprinkle of edible gold glitter for special occasions or a tiny pinch of cinnamon for a hint of warmth. For a festive touch, tuck in a few sprigs of rosemary or mint beside your cookie platter for a pop of color and fragrance.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages. Think a cozy mug of coffee, spiced tea, or classic hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. They’re also lovely alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries, adding creamy, cold contrast to their crumbly richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Snowball Cookies look gorgeous piled high on a vintage cake stand or nestled in a rustic tin lined with parchment for gifting. For a playful presentation, arrange them in a snowy wreath shape or stack in clear jars tied with a ribbon—perfect for holiday hostess gifts or cookie swaps!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Snowball Cookies fresh and tender, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll happily last up to a week—if you don’t eat them all before then! You might want to add a small piece of bread to the container; it will help preserve their perfect texture.

Freezing

Snowball Cookies freeze extremely well. Place baked (and fully cooled) cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar for a just-baked look.

Reheating

No need to reheat these cookies for enjoyment, but if you love them slightly warm, a few seconds in the microwave does the trick. Just know you might need to dust them with a little extra powdered sugar if it melts.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of nut in Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! Pecans and walnuts are traditional but feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend nicely into the delicate cookie crumb.

Why are my Snowball Cookies crumbly?

Snowball Cookies are meant to be tender and slightly crumbly, but if they’re falling apart, double-check your measurements—especially the flour. Packed flour or over-mixing can make the dough too dry. If needed, add another tablespoon of soft butter to help bring the dough together.

Can I make Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. The result will still be deliciously nutty and sweet, just with a slightly different texture.

Do I need to toast the nuts before adding them?

Toasting the nuts is optional, but it does amplify their flavor and aroma. Just spread chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5 minutes at 350°F, watching closely so they don’t burn. Let them cool before adding to the dough.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! Snowball Cookies are perfect for batch baking, especially during the holidays. Just make sure you have two baking sheets on hand, and rotate them halfway through for even baking.

Final Thoughts

If you love cookies that truly feel special but don’t require fancy ingredients, you absolutely must try Snowball Cookies. Each bite is a little powdery cloud of happiness, and they never fail to impress at any gathering. I can’t wait for you to make a batch and experience their irresistible, nutty sweetness for yourself!

Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or wedding cookies, are a classic holiday treat. These buttery, nutty cookies coated in powdered sugar are a festive addition to any cookie platter.

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: Add the flour and salt, and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Form dough into balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake the cookies: Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, roll them again for a snowy finish.