Irresistible Snowball Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Holiday Baking
Snowball cookies are a quintessential holiday treat that consistently delights. Their tender, buttery, and nutty texture is simply irresistible. These delightful cookies are a perfect addition to any festive cookie platter and pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a comforting hot beverage.
Table of Contents
About These Snowball Cookies
Light, airy, and lavishly covered in powdered sugar, with a delightful nutty crunch, these snowball cookies represent a cherished classic for holiday baking. Their delicate nature and rich flavor make them a standout on any festive table, offering a beautiful contrast to richer, more decadent holiday desserts.
This holiday season, I was determined to curate a spectacular cookie box, and these melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies were an absolute non-negotiable addition. Their unique blend of buttery goodness and subtle nuttiness makes them an undeniable crowd-pleaser and a nostalgic favorite.
Childhood Memories and Holiday Traditions
I distinctly remember these little powdered sugar-covered cookies being a staple every year during my childhood holidays. Someone in the family always prepared a batch, and they were constantly available, inviting us kids to sneak one (or several!) whenever the opportunity arose. That tradition has stayed with me, and now I love recreating that magic in my own kitchen.
What sets these cookies apart is their delicate simplicity. While many holiday cookies are known for their intense richness, snowball cookies offer a light, tender crumb that melts wonderfully on the tongue. This makes them the perfect companion for a steaming cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a mug of hot chocolate. The iconic powdered sugar coating not only gives them their whimsical “snowball” appearance but also adds a sweet, ethereal touch that enhances their charm.
And let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy the simple pleasure of licking powdered sugar off their fingers? It’s a small joy that instantly transports me back to the wonder and excitement of Christmas morning as a child, a feeling I’ll always cherish.
This cherished recipe is proudly featured as part of The Sweetest Season, an annual virtual cookie swap co-hosted by Erin of The Speckled Palate and Susannah of Feast + West. Each year, food bloggers gather to share innovative and beloved holiday cookie recipes, perfect for baking and sharing. It’s an event I’ve enjoyed participating in for years, and I’m thrilled to join again this season to contribute to such a wonderful cause.
This year, our collective efforts are focused on raising vital funds for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, a distinguished 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Their mission is to fund cutting-edge research for new, more innovative, and less toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Your help is incredibly valuable!
Since its inception in 2008, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has generously granted nearly $18 million towards pediatric cancer research, distributing over 100 research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the nation. These grants have directly led to the development of over 35 new treatments currently available to children bravely battling cancer.
Please join us in supporting this incredibly important cause! You can make a difference by donating through our dedicated fundraising page.
An exciting development this year is that Cookies for Kids’ Cancer has partnered with OXO for a matching gift campaign. This means OXO will match every dollar raised through the end of 2023, up to a total of $100,000. Any contribution you make will automatically be doubled on our fundraising page, maximizing its impact!
What Are Snowball Cookies (and Their Many Names)?
Snowball cookies are a beloved type of shortbread cookie, cherished particularly during the festive season. They are renowned for their incredible melt-in-your-mouth texture, achieved through a high butter content, and their characteristic coating of powdered sugar. These cookies are truly a culinary chameleon, known by various delightful names across different cultures and regions, including Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Italian Wedding Cookies, Butterball Cookies, and Pecan Puffs.
Regardless of what you call them, the core appeal remains the same: a rich, buttery, and often nutty flavor (though nuts can be omitted for allergies or preference). They offer a light, delicate crunch that provides a wonderful textural contrast to many other dense and chewy holiday treats. Their timeless appeal lies in their simplicity, elegance, and the comforting taste that evokes warm holiday memories.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Snowball Cookies
Creating these delightful snowball cookies requires a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving their signature taste and texture:
- Unsalted Butter: Always opt for unsalted butter. This gives you complete control over the salt content in your recipe. Ensure your butter is at proper room temperature – soft enough to indent with a finger but still cool to the touch. This consistency is vital for proper creaming, which incorporates air into the dough for a lighter, more tender cookie.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this is the only type of sugar you’ll need for the cookie dough and the generous coating. Its fine texture dissolves beautifully, contributing to the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the cookies and creating that iconic snowy exterior.
- Vanilla Extract: The quality of your vanilla truly shines in these cookies. A high-quality pure vanilla extract will impart a deep, rich flavor. I highly recommend using homemade vanilla extract if you have it, or a premium option like Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract from Nielsen Massey.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe. For those with dietary restrictions, a 1:1 ratio gluten-free flour blend can often be substituted successfully. Proper flour measurement is key here to avoid dry, crumbly cookies.
- Salt: Fine kosher salt is preferred. Just a touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, preventing the cookies from tasting bland.
- Nuts (Optional): While optional, finely chopped nuts add a wonderful depth of flavor and a delicate crunch that many find essential to snowball cookies. Pecans or walnuts are the traditional choices and work beautifully. For the best texture, ensure your nuts are very finely chopped; a food processor can make this task quick and easy. If omitting nuts due to allergies or preference, the cookies will still be delicious, albeit with a slightly different texture profile.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools on hand will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Have a reliable set for both dry and liquid ingredients.
- Leveler or Knife: Essential for precisely leveling off flour and other dry ingredients to ensure the correct amount is used.
- Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: A stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless. If you don’t have one, a large set of mixing bowls and an electric hand mixer will work just as well.
- Silicone Baking Mats or Parchment Paper: These are ideal for lining your half-sheet baking pans. They prevent sticking, promote even baking, and make cleanup a breeze.
- Half Sheet Baking Pans: You’ll likely need two to bake all the cookies efficiently.
- Cookie Scoop: While not strictly necessary, a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop helps ensure all your cookies are uniformly sized, which leads to even baking.
- Wire Racks: For cooling the cookies after baking and allowing the powdered sugar coating to set properly.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Snowball Cookies
Follow these simple instructions to create your own batch of delicious snowball cookies:
Prepare the Cookie Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl with a handheld electric mixer), add the softened unsalted butter. Beat the butter on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes light, smooth, and creamy. This creaming process incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture.
- Gradually add the 2/3 cup of confectioners’ sugar, continuing to beat on medium-high speed until it’s fully combined with the butter and the mixture is fluffy. You’ll likely need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Stir in the pure vanilla extract until just combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until the flour is mostly incorporated. Once all the flour is added, increase the speed to high. The dough might initially appear dry and crumbly, but as you continue to beat it, it will come together into a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix once the flour is added, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tougher cookies.
- If you are using them, beat in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough
- Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allowing the flavors to meld.
- The dough can be chilled for up to 3 days. If you chill the dough for longer than 3 hours, be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin rolling it into balls. This will make the dough much easier to handle and shape.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
- Scoop out the chilled dough using a 1-tablespoon measure. Roll each portion of dough between your palms to form neat, uniform balls, resembling snowballs.
- Arrange the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart to allow for slight expansion.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn a very light golden brown. The cookies should still look pale on top. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make them dry.
The Signature Powdered Sugar Coat
- Remove the baked cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. They are quite delicate when warm.
- While still warm (but not hot), gently roll each cookie in a bowl of confectioners’ sugar, ensuring it’s completely coated. The warmth of the cookies helps the first layer of sugar adhere, creating a slightly sticky but even base. Place the coated cookies on wire racks to cool completely.
- Once the cookies have cooled entirely, roll them in confectioners’ sugar a second time. This crucial second coating ensures a thick, opaque, and perfectly “snowy” finish that won’t absorb into the cookie.
Pro Tips for Snowball Cookie Success
Achieving the perfect snowball cookie is easy with these helpful tips:
- Measure Flour Properly: Incorrect flour measurement is a common culprit for dry, crumbly cookies. To measure flour correctly, first, lightly stir the flour in its container to aerate it. Then, spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing. Finally, use the straight edge of a knife or a flat object to level off the excess flour across the top of the cup. Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, as this compacts the flour and results in too much being used.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This primarily applies to butter. Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature – soft enough to leave an indentation when gently pressed, but not melted or greasy. Proper room temperature butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating an airy base that’s essential for the cookie’s tender texture. If it’s too soft, the dough can become oily and spread excessively during baking.
- Coat the Cookies Twice: This step is non-negotiable for that classic snowball appearance. The first roll, when the cookies are still warm, creates a slightly melted, sticky layer where the sugar begins to adhere. Once the cookies have cooled completely, the second roll ensures a thick, even, and truly white coating that mimics freshly fallen snow.
- Don’t Overbake: Snowball cookies should remain pale, with only the very bottom edges turning a light golden hue. Overbaking will result in dry, hard cookies that lose their signature melt-in-your-mouth quality. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
- Consistent Cookie Size: Using a cookie scoop (1-tablespoon size is ideal) helps ensure all your cookies are the same size. This promotes even baking, meaning all cookies will be perfectly done at the same time.
- Variations for Flavor: While traditional, you can easily customize these cookies.
- Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts from the recipe entirely.
- Different Nuts: Experiment with finely chopped almonds, pistachios, or even macadamia nuts for a unique flavor twist.
- Chocolate: For a delightful treat, try folding in mini chocolate chips with the nuts, or instead of them.
- Extracts: A tiny dash of almond extract alongside vanilla can amplify the nutty flavor, or try a different extract like lemon or peppermint for a festive twist.
More tasty cookie recipes to explore: Christmas Shortbread Cookies | Chocolate Covered Oreos | Vanilla Bean Cardamom Sugar Cookies | Lemon Meringue Cookies
Snowball Cookies vs. Mexican Wedding Cookies: Are They the Same?
Yes, absolutely! Snowball cookies are indeed known by many names, and Mexican Wedding Cookies (along with Russian Tea Cakes and Butterball Cookies) are among the most common. Despite their different names, they all refer to the same delightful cookie: a tender, buttery, nutty (or nut-free) treat generously coated in powdered sugar. The variations in naming often reflect regional or cultural interpretations, but the core recipe and irresistible qualities remain consistent. These delicate, flavorful cookies, often packed with finely chopped pecans or walnuts, are a universal holiday favorite for a very good reason.
What is the Texture of Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies are not designed to be soft and chewy like a chocolate chip cookie. Instead, their texture is wonderfully unique: they are tender, delicate, and have a slight crunch that quickly melts in your mouth. This distinct crumbly texture, combined with the powdery sweetness of the sugar coating, makes them an exquisite pairing for your favorite hot beverage, providing a satisfying yet light treat.
Can Snowball Cookies Be Frozen for Later?
Yes, snowball cookies are excellent candidates for freezing after they’ve been baked! You can freeze them after both rolls in powdered sugar have been completed and they have cooled to room temperature. It is highly recommended to store them in an airtight container rather than a resealable freezer bag. These cookies are quite fragile, especially when frozen, so using a rigid container will protect them from crumbling or breaking. Arrange them in layers separated by parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How to Ensure Cookies Keep Their Round Shape
The secret to ensuring your snowball cookies maintain their iconic round shape is delightfully simple: just roll the dough into neat, compact balls before baking! The beauty of this particular cookie dough is that it contains a high fat content and relatively less liquid, meaning it doesn’t spread significantly in the oven. The chilling step also helps to solidify the butter, which further minimizes spreading. So, a good, firm roll into a ball is all it takes to guarantee that perfect snowball appearance.
The Importance of Double Coating in Powdered Sugar
Yes, rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice is absolutely the best method for achieving that signature “snowball” look and texture! The first coating happens when the cookies are still warm from the oven. At this stage, the surface of the cookie is slightly tacky, allowing a thin layer of sugar to melt and adhere, forming a foundational coating. This layer might appear somewhat translucent or uneven.
Once the cookies have cooled completely, the second roll in confectioners’ sugar is applied. This second layer adheres beautifully to the now-set first layer, creating a thick, opaque, and perfectly white “snowy” exterior. This double-coating ensures the powdered sugar sticks well, giving the cookies their truly iconic and inviting appearance that makes them so special for the holidays.
Troubleshooting: Why Are My Snowball Cookies Falling Apart?
If your snowball cookies are crumbling or falling apart too easily, the most common reason is typically an excess of flour in the dough. This often happens when flour is measured incorrectly. To avoid this common pitfall and ensure a perfectly tender cookie:
- Always stir your flour in its container before measuring to loosen it.
- Spoon the flour lightly into your dry measuring cup.
- Use a straight edge (like the back of a knife or a flat ruler) to level off the top of the measuring cup, removing any excess without compacting the flour.
Following this “spoon and level” method prevents you from accidentally adding too much flour, which can lead to a dry, crumbly, and fragile cookie texture.
Nut-Free Snowball Cookie Variations
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer your cookies without nuts, you can easily omit them from this recipe. The cookies will still be wonderfully buttery, tender, and coated in powdered sugar, maintaining their melt-in-your-mouth appeal. If you choose to go nut-free, you might consider enhancing the flavor slightly with an extra splash of vanilla extract or even a touch of another complementary extract like almond (if allergies aren’t a concern) or a hint of citrus zest for a bright twist.
Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page for a wide array of delicious ideas!
Serving Suggestions for Snowball Cookies
These delightful snowball cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:
- With Warm Beverages: Their delicate, buttery texture makes them an ideal companion for a warm drink. Serve them with a rich Irish coffee, a soothing cup of your favorite tea, a decadent slow cooker hot chocolate, or a festive glass of homemade eggnog. They offer a light contrast to the warmth and creaminess of these drinks.
- On Holiday Platters: Snowball cookies are a must-have for any holiday dessert spread or cookie platter. Their unique texture and snowy appearance add visual appeal and a different flavor profile alongside other holiday favorites.
- As Edible Gifts: Package them beautifully in cookie tins or festive boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift. They travel well and are always appreciated during the holiday season.
- Party Favors: Individually wrapped, they make charming party favors for holiday gatherings.
If you’re curating a diverse holiday cookie box, be sure to explore the other festive cookie recipes I’ve listed just above the recipe card for more inspiration!
Storage and Freezing Guide
Proper storage is key to keeping your snowball cookies fresh and delicious:
- Storing at Room Temperature: Baked snowball cookies can be stored in a sealed, airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 to 5 days. Ensure they are kept away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Storing in the Refrigerator: For extended freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Snowball cookies freeze exceptionally well. Once they are completely cooled and have received both powdered sugar coatings, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 30 minutes until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and breakage. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
More Delightful Holiday Cookie Recipes
Looking to expand your holiday baking repertoire? Here are some other festive cookie recipes that are sure to be a hit:
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy, featuring a gooey marshmallow center that’s perfect for winter.
- Celebrate with vibrant, festive layers of Italian Rainbow Cookies, a traditional holiday cookie that’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.
- Spiced with a delicate touch of cinnamon, these chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies are incredibly easy to make and an excellent choice for assembling holiday cookie boxes.
- Indulge in Milk Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies, known for their buttery and soft texture, making them the ideal holiday treat to pair with a cozy mug of egg nog.
Finally, if you try this snowball cookies recipe, please remember to give it a rating or leave a comment below! I genuinely love hearing about your experiences in the kitchen and make an effort to respond to every single comment. Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the recipe, too!
Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share your creations! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and I adore looking through all your photos. It means the world to me!
Snowball Cookies
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour
36
cookies
prevent your screen from going dark
Equipment
-
Measuring Spoons
-
Measuring Cups
-
Stand Mixer
-
Silicone Baking Mats
-
Half Sheet Pan
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.
Video
Notes
Freeze: Store baked cookies in airtight containers between layers of parchment paper. They will store for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Calories:
90
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
13
g
|
Protein:
1
g
|
Fat:
7
g
|
Saturated Fat:
3
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.2
g
|
Cholesterol:
14
mg
|
Sodium:
17
mg
|
Potassium:
21
mg
|
Fiber:
0.4
g
|
Sugar:
0.1
g
|
Vitamin A:
158
IU
|
Vitamin C:
0.03
mg
|
Calcium:
5
mg
|
Iron:
0.4
mg
90
kcal
Dessert, Holiday