Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that tastes like a little winter wonderland in every bite, you have to try this Snowball Cookies Recipe. These classic Christmas cookies are crisp, buttery, and dusted in so much powdered sugar they look like freshly fallen snow—hence the name! I absolutely love how this recipe comes together easily but yields cookies that feel fancy and festive, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights with a cup of tea. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can master these beauty snowballs in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients blend perfectly to create a rich yet delicate cookie. When shopping, try to choose good-quality butter and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter is key to getting that smooth, creamy dough texture.
• Confectioners sugar: You’ll use it in the dough and also for coating the cookies—powdered sugar ensures the classic “snowball” appearance and that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma and depth of flavor that makes all the difference.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup for the right amount—too much flour makes cookies dry.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
• Optional toasted pecans: I love the crunch and nutty flavor pecans add, but feel free to skip or swap with other nuts like walnuts!

Variations

I love experimenting with this Snowball Cookies Recipe to suit different tastes, and I encourage you to do the same! Whether you want to add a little twist or keep it classic, these cookies are super adaptable.

• Nut-Free: I’ve made these without nuts many times when friends come over who have allergies—still delicious and tender.
• Almond or walnut swap: If pecans aren’t your thing, try finely chopped almonds or walnuts—they add a lovely texture and flavor.
• Spiced snowballs: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives a cozy warmth that’s perfect for holiday vibes.
• Chocolate-dusted: Rolling the cookies in cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar makes for a richer, decadent twist.

How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating softened unsalted butter in your mixer for about 1 minute until it’s utterly smooth and creamy. This little step is important because it creates the base for your cookie’s tender texture. Then add the 3/4 cup of confectioners sugar and beat at medium-high speed—don’t rush this; scraping down the sides once or twice ensures everything blends perfectly and your cookies won’t have any sugary pockets.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt

Next, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Then, switch the mixer to low and gradually add the flour and salt. You might notice the dough looks dry at first, but don’t worry—that’s normal. Once all the flour is incorporated, bump the speed back up to high to bring the dough together. This part really seals the deal on making those tender, crumbly cookies you’ll love.

Step 3: Mix in the Nuts (If Using)

If you’re adding nuts, fold them in now. I like to toast my pecans first — it brings out so much extra flavor, making the snowballs taste even more irresistible.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes. The chilling helps the cookies keep their shape when baking, which is a game-changer. If you chill it for longer than a few hours, remember to let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes before rolling out—that softness makes rolling the dough so much easier.

Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop or roll out tablespoon-sized balls of dough, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the edges just start to turn golden brown—you’ll find that timing is key because you want soft centers with a slight crispness on the bottom.

Step 6: Sugar Coat the Snowballs

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then very gently roll them in confectioners sugar to coat. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Be patient here—the sugar might melt and get sticky at first. When the cookies are totally cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar, and this time you’ll achieve that snowy, beautiful finish.

How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and just dust them with powdered sugar, but for a festive touch, a small sprinkle of edible glitter or crushed peppermint on top adds a holiday wow factor. Plus, the peppermint gives a subtle minty pop that works beautifully with the buttery cookie.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of spiced tea or rich hot chocolate. When I make these for parties, I like to set out a platter with these cookies alongside some fresh fruit and cheeses for an easy, elegant dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine and tuck in a sprig of pine or rosemary—it instantly feels homemade and charming. Layer them in a festive tin or clear jar with ribbons for a beautiful presentation anyone would love to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between parchment paper to avoid sticking. They stay fresh and tender for about a week, which is perfect because I rarely have any leftovers for longer!

Freezing

If I want to make these ahead of time, I freeze them after the first sugar coating, then roll them in powdered sugar again once thawed. Freezing works great and you won’t notice a difference in texture or taste.

Reheating

These cookies don’t really need reheating, but if you want that fresh-from-the-oven feel, I pop a few in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It softens them slightly without melting the sugar coating too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Snowball Cookies Recipe has become a holiday favorite in my family—it’s one of those recipes I reach for year after year because it’s just so reliable and beloved by everyone. I love that even beginner bakers can have success here, and that these cookies carry a nostalgic feel that no one can resist. Whether you bake them for yourself, your kids, or your friends, I’m confident you’ll love the tender crumb and snowy sweetness as much as I do. Trust me, once you try these snowballs, they’ll become part of your seasonal tradition too!

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