If there’s one treat that never fails to spark nostalgia and smiles, it’s the classic Snowball Cookies Recipe. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies dusted with a blizzard of powdered sugar, these delicate bites are pure comfort and celebration in every mouthful. Whether you call them Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, there’s just something irresistible about their crumbly texture and subtly nutty flavor. Perfect for holidays, afternoon tea, or a sweet everyday pick-me-up, this is the recipe you’ll reach for whenever you want a cookie that truly feels like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The soul of a Snowball Cookies Recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples that work magic together. Choose good-quality ingredients, because each one plays a starring role in the flavor, texture, and irresistible snowy look of these little cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Butter is the foundation here, giving every bite its tender texture and delicious richness.
- Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup + 1 1/4 cups for coating): Finely ground sugar not only sweetens the dough but also creates the signature snow-like finish with its double dusting.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies with deep, aromatic sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups, spooned and leveled): Gives structure to the cookies while keeping their texture ultra-tender.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Just a tiny pinch balances all the sweetness and accentuates the buttery notes.
- Optional: Finely chopped and toasted pecans (3/4 cup): For a classic twist, add finely chopped and toasted pecans for an irresistibly nutty crunch.
How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start off by beating your softened butter in a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer. You want it to be smooth and creamy, which usually takes about a minute. Add in the 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and beat on medium-high until the mixture is light and fully combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed so every bit of butter gets mixed in—this step gives the cookies their signature melt-away crumb.
Step 2: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt
Next, beat in the vanilla extract, followed by the flour and salt. To keep the dough tender, add the flour gradually on low speed until it just comes together. Don’t worry if the dough seems dry; as you continue to mix, it’ll become cohesive and soft. If you’re making the nutty version, fold in the toasted pecans at this point—just enough to distribute them throughout the dough.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover your cookie dough tightly and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days if you plan ahead!). This helps the dough set, making it much easier to shape and giving the cookies their signature round, crack-free look. If you chill it for more than 3 hours, let the dough rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start rolling—it’ll be too stiff otherwise.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this will keep the cookies from sticking and make clean-up a snap. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie and roll into smooth balls, placing them at least 2 inches apart. Bake for around 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the tops are just set.
Step 5: Double-Dust with Sugar
Let the cookies cool for five minutes on the baking sheet. While still gently warm (but not hot), roll each cookie carefully in a bowl of confectioners’ sugar to coat them in their first snowy layer. Set on wire racks to cool completely. Once the cookies are fully cooled, give them a second roll in the sugar—this final dusting is what gives your Snowball Cookies Recipe its irresistible powdery coat.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a festive touch, serve your snowball cookies with a fresh dusting of confectioners’ sugar right before presenting, or nestle them amongst sprigs of mint or edible flowers for a magical, wintry vibe.
Side Dishes
These sweet treasures fit perfectly with a cozy cup of tea or coffee. For holiday gatherings, pair them with fresh fruit platters, a pot of spiced hot chocolate, or a tray of mixed cookies for an unforgettable dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your Snowball Cookies Recipe in clear glass jars for charming gifts, or stack them in mountain-like tiers on a cake stand for a frosty centerpiece. Try nestling them in cupcake liners or tiny gift bags for individual holiday treats, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-luxe finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your snowball cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay deliciously tender for up to one week. If stacking, place wax paper between layers to keep their coats fluffy and intact.
Freezing
Snowball Cookies Recipe is ideal for freezing—before or after baking! Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to zip-top bags and bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two extra. Finished cookies freeze beautifully too; just dust with a fresh layer of sugar after thawing.
Reheating
To bring day-old (or thawed) cookies back to their best, let them come to room temperature naturally. If you’d like, warm them in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes and immediately dust with a bit more sugar before serving.
FAQs
Do I have to use pecans in the Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Nope! Pecans are traditional, but you can swap in toasted walnuts, almonds, or skip the nuts altogether if you’d prefer a nut-free version that’s still buttery and delicious.
Why is my cookie dough crumbly and dry?
Don’t worry—it’s normal for snowball cookie dough to look a bit dry at first! Keep mixing, and it will come together. If needed, add a teaspoon of water or milk to help bind the dough.
Can I make this Snowball Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The cookies will turn out just as soft and tender.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting off the cookies?
Let the cookies cool completely before the final dusting. The first coat will melt slightly (which helps the sugar stick), but that second coat—once cool—is what gives the cookies their signature snowy finish.
Can I make a smaller batch of the Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! Just halve all the ingredients if you’re making treats for a smaller group. Everything else, including baking time, stays the same.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Snowball Cookies Recipe, I’m reminded that simple ingredients and a little care can create pure, joyful magic. These timeless cookies are meant for sharing—so bake a batch, dust them generously, and make some sweet memories!
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious snowball cookies that melt in your mouth with a buttery, nutty flavor and a coating of confectioners’ sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you’re craving a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- optional: 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped and toasted pecans*
Coating:
- 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Cookies: In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt. Mix until dough forms. Add pecans if desired. Chill dough, then roll into balls and bake.
- Coating: Roll cookies in confectioners’ sugar while warm, then again once cooled.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is crucial for the cookies to hold their shape while baking.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
