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Snowball cookies are a classic holiday cookie that never goes out of style. The tender texture of this buttery, nutty cookie is simply irresistible. They make the perfect addition to any cookie platter or to pair with a cup of coffee.
about these snowball cookies
Light and airy, covered in powdered sugar, and packed with nutty flavor, these snowball cookies are a classic recipe for your holiday baking.
This year I really wanted to make a big cookie box (coming soon to the blog!) and I knew that I had to have these snowball cookies as part of the collection.
I remember having these little powdered sugar covered cookies every year when I grew up.
Someone always made a batch and they were always out, ready for us kids to gobble up whenever we had the chance.
These cookies are so different from the other rich and decadent holiday cookies out there, so I find they are the perfect addition to any dessert spread. It is a light, delicate, and nutty cookie that’s ideal for pairing with coffee or hot chocolate. The iconic powdered sugar coating is what makes these treats look just like snowballs!
Plus, who doesn’t love licking powdered sugar off their fingers?
t makes me feel like a kid at Christmas again, and I’ll never stop loving that feeling.
This recipe is part of The Sweetest Season, an annual virtual cookie swap co-hosted by Erin of The Speckled Palate and Susannah of Feast + West. Every year, food bloggers get together to share new holiday cookie recipes to make and give! It’s an event I’ve been participating in from time to time, and I’m excited to be joining again this year!
This year we are raising money for Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer, which is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to funding research for new, innovative and less-toxic treatments for childhood cancer. And we need your help!
Since 2008, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has granted nearly $18 million to pediatric cancer research in the form of 100+ research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the country. From these grants have stemmed 35+ treatments available to kids battling cancer today.
Help us raise money for this important cause! Donate through our fundraising page.
Another exciting thing is that Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is in a matching window with their friends at OXO, meaning OXO will be matching every dollar raised through the end of 2023, up to $100,000. Whatever money we raise will automatically double on our fundraising page!
what are snowball cookies?
Snowball cookies are one of those classic Christmas cookies that I consider a must-make during the holiday season. The buttery cookies have a nutty flavor (though you can omit the nuts if you prefer) and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that are absolutely indulgent. However, these cookies are also super light and delicate, making them a lovely compliment to the other rich holiday cookies.
ingredients
butter. Use unsalted butter for the recipe and make sure that it is at room temperature.
sugar. You will only need confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar) for these cookies.
vanilla. Always use a high-quality vanilla extract for your recipes! I love using homemade vanilla extract, but you can also use this Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey.
flour. All purpose flour is what you’ll need. You can also use a 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour.
salt. Use fine kosher salt.
nuts. Nuts are optional, but I think they give the cookies great flavor and texture. I recommend using either chopped pecans or walnuts. Whatever nut you use, make sure you are chopping it very finely. You could also use a food processor to chop the nuts!
this recipe’s must haves
To measure out the ingredients, have measuring cups and measuring spoons handy. You will also need a leveler or a knife to level off the cups of ingredients (particularly the flour!).
I like to use a stand mixer to make the cookie dough, but you can also use a large bowl from a set of mixing bowls and an electric hand mixer.
Silicone baking mats are ideal for lining your half sheet baking pan.
here’s how to make snowball cookies
make batter
Add butter to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. You can also use a handheld mixer with a large bowl. Beat butter for 1 minutes on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add in confectioners’ sugar, continuing to beat on medium-high speed until combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go.
Add vanilla and beat to combine. Switch to low speed and slowly add in the flour and salt. Once all of the flour is added, increase speed to high speed. The dough will start out dry, but then it will come together.
Beat in chopped nuts, if using.
chill dough
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. You can leave the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you do chill the dough for more than 3 hours, be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make the dough easier to work with.
bake
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Scoop out dough 1 Tablespoon at a time and form into balls. Place on baking sheets about 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart.
Bake until the cookies are just turning golden on the bottom edges, about 15 minutes.
coat
Remove from the oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes. Roll in confectioners’ sugar to coat completely, placing them on wire racks to cool completely. Note that they will be a bit sticky since the cookies are warm.
Once cooled completely, roll in the confectioners’ sugar again so the sugar can stick well.
tips for success
measure flour properly. If you measure flour incorrectly, it will impact the texture of the cookies causing them to be dry and fall apart. Measure your flour correctly! How do you do that? Stir the flour with a spoon, then spoon it into your measure cup. Level it off and use as the recipe directs.
use room temperature ingredients. Bring the butter to room temperature before using it in the recipe. However, do not let it get too soft, as this can also throw off the texture of the cookie dough.
coat the cookies twice. Be sure to coat the cookies in powdered sugar twice! Once when warm and once again when they have cooled off. This will ensure that the second coat sticks and looks perfect.
variations. Want to try a different variation? You can omit the nuts! Alternatively, used finely chopped almonds or mini chocolate chips instead.
More tasty cookie recipes: Christmas Shortbread Cookies | Chocolate Covered Oreos | Vanilla Bean Cardamom Sugar Cookies | Lemon Meringue Cookies
are snowball cookies and Mexican wedding cookies the same thing?
You may know snowball cookies as Mexican Wedding Cookies or even Russian Tea Cakes. They are the same thing! They are all the same tender cookie rolled in powdered sugar. Delicate and packed with either pecans or walnuts, these cookies are a holiday favorite for a reason.
are snowball cookies soft?
Snowball cookies are not a soft and chewy cookie. They are a little bit crunchy and tender, which is a lovely pairing for your favorite hot beverage.
can I freeze them for later?
Yes, these cookies are great for freezing after baking! You can freeze them after rolling them twice in powdered sugar. Make sure they are at room temperature. I recommend storing them in an airtight container and not in a resealable freezer-safe bag. The cookies are fragile, especially when they freeze, so you don’t want to risk them falling apart in the freezer. Store them in a container between layers of parchment or wax paper.
how do I make sure my cookies keep their shape?
Roll the dough into balls to make sure that they keep the shape of a snowball! It’s as simple as that since the dough for these cookies doesn’t spread much as it bakes.
do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Yes, this is the best way to make sure that the cookies are coated well in confectioners sugar! The first time, the coating will be a little tacky because the cookies are warm. The second coating really ensures that the powdered sugar sticks to get that signature snowball cookie look.
why are my snowball cookies falling apart?
If your snowball cookies are falling apart, the most likely culprit is adding too much flour to the dough. This usually happens when flour is not measured properly. To measure the flour properly, be sure to stir the flour with a spoon, then spoon it into your measuring cup. Level the flour off with a knife and then use in the recipe.
can you make snowball cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can simply omit the nuts from this recipe if there is an allergy or you simply do not enjoy nuts.
Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!
what to serve with snowball cookies
Serve these cookies with coffee, tea, hot chocolate or homemade eggnog! They are light and perfect for pairing with your favorite warm beverage on a chilly day.
If you are looking for more holiday cookies to add to a cookie box, be sure to look at the holiday cookies I have listed just above the recipe card!
how to store and freeze
Store. Snowball cookies last for up to 4 to 5 days in a sealed container at room temperature. If you store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator they will last for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze. Store baked cookies in airtight containers between layers of parchment paper. They will store for up to 6 months.
more holiday cookie recipes
Peppermint hot chocolate cookies are soft and chewy with a gooey center of marshmallow.
Festive layered Italian Rainbow Cookies are traditional holiday cookies that everyone will love.
Spiced with a touch of cinnamon, chewy cranberry white chocolate oatmeal cookies are easy to make for holiday cookie boxes.
Milk chocolate dipped shortbread cookies are buttery and soft, making them the ideal holiday treat to pair with a mug of egg nog.
Finally, if you make this snowball cookies recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
snowball cookies
ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar (2/3 cup for cookies), beating on medium-high speed until combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go.
- Add vanilla and beat until combined. Switch to low speed and slowly pour in the flour and salt. Once all of the flour is added, increase speed to high speed. The dough will start out dry, but then it will come together. Beat in chopped nuts, if using.
- Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. You can leave the dough in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you do chill the dough for more than 3 hours, be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make the dough easier to work with.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350˚F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Scoop out dough 1 Tablespoon at a time and form into balls. Place on baking sheets about 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart.
- Bake until the cookies are just turning golden on the bottom edges, about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes.
- Roll in confectioners’ sugar to coat completely, placing them on wire racks to cool completely. Note that they will be a bit sticky since the cookies are warm.
- Once cooled completely, roll in the confectioners’ sugar again so the sugar can stick well.
Erin says
I am totally OBSESSED with these Snowballs! They are perfectly light and fluffy and delicious and the best kind for sharing this time of year.