If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this Snowball Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming little cookies are perfectly crumbly, generously coated in powdered sugar, and studded with crunchy nuts, making every bite a festive celebration. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon snack, or just a little homemade indulgence, these snowball cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let me show you how simple and rewarding it is to bring these classic beauties to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the creamy butter that ensures tenderness to the nuts that add a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor. Together, they harmonize perfectly to create the iconic snowball texture and taste.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base essential for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Sweetens the cookies gently and gives that snowy white finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie that keeps everything together without heaviness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts: Brings a satisfying crunch and nutty richness in every bite.
How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps your cookies bake evenly with a perfectly golden bottom.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re aiming for. Once creamy, mix in the vanilla extract to infuse your dough with a warm aroma.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the buttery mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here could make the cookies tough, so take care to fold gently. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, which will add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, making sure they’re nice and smooth. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each ball to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye out for the edges and bottoms to turn just lightly golden. This subtle color change means your cookies are cooked through but still tender and crumbly inside.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar. This warm coating helps the sugar stick beautifully. Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again for a thick, snowy layer that truly lives up to the Snowball Cookies Recipe name.
Step 7: Store Them Properly
Place your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and softness. These cookies are irresistible alongside a cup of tea or coffee, making any moment instantly sweeter.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, you can sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or a little extra chopped nuts on top for an added flair. A light dusting of cocoa powder makes a fun twist, too!
Side Dishes
Serve your snowball cookies alongside hot cocoa, spiced chai, or a creamy latte. Their buttery texture and sweetness perfectly complement warm, comforting beverages. For a party, add a platter of fresh berries or a bowl of whipped cream to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make these little beauties the centerpiece of your dessert tray by stacking them in a festive tin, wrapping them up in cellophane with a colorful ribbon, or arranging them around a bundt cake for an elegant winter party display. Snowball cookies also make adorable edible gifts that anyone would cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply pop your leftover cookies into an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, giving you plenty of time to enjoy or share with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead of the baking curve or save some for later, snowball cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Although these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or they may lose their delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans or walnuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can be great substitutes. Just make sure they are finely chopped to maintain the right texture.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar to roll the cookies in?
Powdered sugar is key to that signature snowy coating, but you can mix granulated sugar with a little cornstarch as a backup. Keep in mind it won’t be as smooth or delicate.
Are snowball cookies gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can try a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs, though texture may vary slightly.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled twice in powdered sugar?
The first roll coats the warm cookie so the sugar sticks well, and the second roll after cooling adds a thicker, more uniform dusting that gives snowball cookies their classic look and sweetness.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but be sure to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over seasoning.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Snowball Cookies Recipe. It’s simple, classic, and utterly delicious, making it a real joy to bake for yourself, family, or friends. The tender crumb, nutty crunch, and snowy sweetness come together in a way that feels like a warm hug. So, grab your mixing bowl, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a batch of these timeless delights—you won’t regret a single bite!
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these classic Snowball Cookies, buttery and nutty treats rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, they’re a festive favorite ideal for tea time or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Butter Mixture
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Nuts
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in Nuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms turn lightly golden, indicating they are done but still tender inside.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Once cooled, roll them again to achieve a thick, snowy coating.
- Storage and Serving: Store the cookies in an airtight container and serve alongside tea or coffee for a perfect festive treat.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and fluffier cookies.
- Chop nuts finely to distribute them evenly and avoid large pieces.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates the signature snowball look and adds sweetness.
- Allow cookies to cool before storing to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
- These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.
