If you’re searching for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug from your oven, this Snowball Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These delightfully tender, buttery cookies dusted with a generous coating of powdered sugar bring a perfect balance of rich nuttiness and delicate sweetness. They are classic, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly simple to whip up, making them an absolute staple for every season, especially when you want to spread a little homemade joy with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Snowball Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity and the humble ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a crucial role: butter provides that creamy richness, powdered sugar brings the signature snowy finish, and the nuts add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: For a smooth, rich base that makes these cookies melt on your tongue.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling): Adds sweetness inside the dough and as a snowy coat on the outside.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with warm, comforting aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and that tender crumb texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Simply enhances all the flavors for perfect balance.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty undertones.
How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents the cookies from sticking, so don’t skip this simple step. Having your oven ready helps your dough come to life perfectly as soon as it hits the heat.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy; this usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer. This creaming step is the secret to giving your snowball cookies that tender texture everyone loves. Then add the vanilla extract and mix it in for that subtle, irresistible depth of flavor.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt, ensuring everything is combined without overmixing. When the dough comes together, fold in the finely chopped nuts gently. This will distribute the crunch consistently throughout the cookie, raising the texture game without any fuss.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll tablespoons of dough into approximately 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart to give them room to bake evenly. The uniform size helps the cookies bake perfectly, with just the right balance between a fluffy interior and a lightly golden bottom.
Step 5: Bake and Coat in Sugar
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies are set and the bottoms turn a light golden brown. Don’t worry if they look a bit soft in the middle—that’s how they stay tender inside. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar. After they cool, give them another roll for that signature, thick “snowball” coating that makes these cookies so iconic.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These snowball cookies shine on their own, but you can jazz them up beautifully by sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar just before serving. If you want to be festive, add a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios for a pop of color and texture against the white powder.
Side Dishes
They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal companion for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings. You might also serve them alongside fresh berries or a creamy hot chocolate to create a complete and indulgent treat experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stack these snowball cookies on a beautiful tiered stand for an elegant presentation, or pack them in small gift boxes or mason jars to share homemade love with friends. Wrapping them with a rustic ribbon adds a personal touch that will surely impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover snowball cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their delicate texture and flavor nicely for about one week, which gives you plenty of time to enjoy them gradually without losing that cozy, homemade charm.
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead or save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be stored for up to three months without losing their melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Reheating
Gently warm frozen snowball cookies in a low oven (about 275°F) for 5 to 8 minutes to regain that freshly baked softness. Avoid the microwave as it can make the nuts chewy and the powdered sugar melt away too quickly.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans or walnuts?
Absolutely! Almonds or macadamia nuts work well, but be sure to chop them finely to maintain the right texture and ensure they blend seamlessly with the dough.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll coats the warm cookies, causing the sugar to lightly melt and stick, while the second roll after cooling creates that signature thick, snowy look and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure, preferably one that contains xanthan gum to mimic the texture. This adjustment keeps the cookies tender and crumbly without compromise.
What causes snowball cookies to be crumbly?
The classic crumbly texture comes from the high butter and flour content, which means it’s important not to overmix the dough or handle it too much, as this might make the cookies tougher.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
Yes, by substituting the butter with a vegan margarine and ensuring your powdered sugar is vegan (some brands use bone char), you can create a delicious plant-based version of these snowball cookies.
Final Thoughts
Making these snowball cookies is like crafting little buttery treasures that bring a smile with every bite. I hope you enjoy this Snowball Cookies Recipe as much as I do—it’s simple to make, wonderfully satisfying, and perfect for sharing warmth and sweetness anytime. Go ahead, bake a batch, and watch these charming cookies become your new go-to comfort treat.
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully tender and buttery Snowball Cookies coated generously in powdered sugar, perfect for festive occasions or a comforting tea-time treat. These classic cookies feature a delicate nutty crunch from finely chopped pecans or walnuts, baked to a golden perfection and rolled twice in sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. Then incorporate the vanilla extract to add aroma and flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts to evenly distribute the nuts throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with about 1 inch spacing between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Coat in Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, carefully roll each cookie in powdered sugar for the first coating. Allow them to cool slightly, then roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve a thick, snowy white coating.
- Serve and Store: Serve these melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies alongside tea or coffee for a comforting treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans or walnuts with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts depending on your preference.
- Ensure the butter is soft but not melted for the best texture.
- Rolling cookies twice in powdered sugar gives that signature snowball look and enhances sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
