Why You’ll Love These Classic Snowball Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful holiday cookie that melts in your mouth, these snowball cookies are a must-try! Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these buttery, nutty, and powdered sugar-coated treats are perfect for Christmas, holidays, or any time of the year.
Light & Buttery – These cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Easy to Make – With only a few ingredients, they come together quickly.
Perfect for Gifting – They look stunning in holiday cookie boxes!
Nutty & Sweet – The perfect balance of crunchy nuts and powdered sugar.
🥄 Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Basic Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional Additions:
- ½ teaspoon almond extract – Enhances the nutty flavor.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips – For a chocolatey twist.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Snowball Cookies
1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed.
3: Add the Nuts & Shape the Cookies
- Stir in the chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts).
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet.
4: Bake & Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the bottoms are light golden brown.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
🌟 Expert Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
Use finely chopped nuts – This ensures even texture in every bite.
Double coat with powdered sugar – First coat while warm, then again when cooled for a snow-like effect.
Don’t overbake – They should be lightly golden, not brown.
🎄 Fun Variations to Try
Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs – Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for extra richness.
Lemon Snowball Cookies – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
Coconut Snowballs – Replace some flour with shredded coconut for extra flavor.
🎁 How to Store & Freeze Snowball Cookies
At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezing Dough: Roll the dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months.
Freezing Baked Cookies: Store in a freezer-safe container for 2 months.
