Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are the kind of nostalgic treat that conjures up cozy kitchens, twinkling holiday lights, and sweet, buttery aromas floating through the air. These little orbs of joy are melt-in-your-mouth tender, rolled in a flurry of powdered sugar, and packed with finely chopped nuts for a hint of toasty crunch. Whether you grew up calling them Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, the magic is the same: simple ingredients that create delicate, irresistible confections just bursting with charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something wonderful about how just a handful of honest ingredients can make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies so memorable. Each one serves a special purpose, from the rich butter base to the sweet blanket of powdered sugar. Let’s break down what makes these bite-sized classics so special.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of flavor and creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture—room temperature is key for the perfect fluffy dough.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for rolling): Adds delicate sweetness and, of course, that snowy finishing touch; sift your sugar if it looks clumpy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle warmth and aromatic depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives structure to the cookie yet keeps it tender and crumbly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and highlight the buttery notes.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (3/4 cup): These little bits add a soft crunch and nutty, satisfying richness—toast the nuts first for even more flavor!
How to Make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Set the mood (and temp!) by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—not only does this prevent sticking, it makes clean-up a breeze. Taking these small steps at the start will help everything run smoothly once you’ve got that cookie dough going.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture turns light, creamy, and almost luxuriously fluffy. This step is the secret to those impossibly tender Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies, so don’t rush!
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Drizzle in your vanilla extract and beat until it’s well-blended into your creamy base. This little detail might seem minor, but it gives every bite a lovely, aromatic undertone that lingers beautifully on your palate.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour and Salt
Next, gradually add in the all-purpose flour and that pinch of salt. Mix just until the dry ingredients are fully worked in—don’t overdo it or the cookies could turn tough. You’re looking for a soft, cohesive dough that still feels tender to the touch.
Step 5: Fold in the Nuts
Sprinkle in your finely chopped pecans or walnuts and gently fold them through the dough. Be sure they’re evenly distributed, so every cookie delivers that signature crunch in every delicate bite.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms to create smooth, round balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet about an inch apart—no spreading here, so you can fit quite a few per tray!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the cookies into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden bottoms (don’t wait for them to brown on top). While they won’t look dramatically different, you’ll know they’re ready by that lovely aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Step 8: The Powdered Sugar Snowfall
Let the cookies cool just long enough so you can handle them, but while they’re still warm, gently roll each in powdered sugar. This is when they get that iconic “snowball” look! Once they’re fully cool, give them a second, generous coat—double dusted means double the charm.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For a special touch, dust your Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies with extra powdered sugar right before serving for that perfect snowy finish. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish your serving platter with a few whole toasted pecans or walnuts, or maybe even some edible gold leaf for a festive sparkle.
Side Dishes
Pair your Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, spiced chai, or a good cup of strong coffee. On a dessert tray, they make the perfect companion to chocolate truffles, buttery shortbread, or even a little dish of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in a pyramid on a pretty cake stand, tuck them into decorative tins lined with parchment for heartfelt gifts, or tie a stack with baker’s twine for an old-fashioned treat bag. For a holiday gathering, surround them with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a woodland snowy scene that will delight guests of all ages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies keep beautifully at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container (layered with parchment to prevent sticking) and they’ll stay deliciously tender for up to a week. Just keep them away from moisture to preserve their delicate texture.
Freezing
These cookies are perfect for freezing! You can freeze the fully baked, sugared cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. If you’d like, freeze just the shaped, unbaked dough balls instead—bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two, then roll in fresh powdered sugar once cooled.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies since they’re meant to be enjoyed tender and at room temperature. If you want to freshen them up after freezing, let them thaw uncovered and roll once more in powdered sugar for a snowy boost before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute a different nut?
Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are classics, try chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a delicious twist. Each nut will give a unique flavor and texture to your batch of Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies.
My cookies are crumbly and dry—what went wrong?
If the dough is overmixed or too much flour is added, the cookies can get dry. Always measure your flour carefully (spoon and level rather than scoop), and mix the dough just until everything comes together for super tender snowballs.
Can I make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a reputable gluten-free baking blend, preferably one with xanthan gum. The results will be a bit more delicate, but still wonderfully delicious and perfect for sharing with friends who eat gluten free.
Why do you roll the cookies once while warm, and again after cooling?
The first roll coats the cookies as the warmth helps the powdered sugar blend in, creating a subtle, sweet layer. The second roll after cooling gives them that signature fluffy white “snowball” appearance and offers a touch more sweetness.
How far ahead can I make these cookies for gifting?
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are perfect for making ahead. Bake them up to a week before gifting, and store in an airtight container. For the freshest appearance, give them one extra dusting with powdered sugar before packing them up for friends or family.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something heartwarming about baking a batch of Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies—whether for a festive gathering or a quiet teatime treat. Each bite is a sweet little reminder of simpler times and shared joy. Don’t wait for a holiday to make them; bake up a batch soon and experience their melt-in-your-mouth magic for yourself!
Print
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat, perfect for Christmas gatherings or any time you want a sweet, nutty cookie with a snowy finish. They are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar, making them a delightful addition to any dessert spread.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla and dry ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough forms.
- Stir in nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Form and bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cool, roll again in powdered sugar for a classic snowy finish.
Notes
- These cookies store well in an airtight container and can be made ahead.
- Try using almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor variation.
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