Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe For Holiday Baking

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday cookie that melts in your mouth and looks like it came straight from a winter wonderland, these Snowball Cookies are a must-try! Buttery, nutty, and rolled in soft powdered sugar, they’re a festive favorite that’s as fun to eat as they are to make. These classic cookies are always a hit at cookie exchanges, family gatherings, and holiday parties. Whether you call them snowballs, Russian tea cakes, or Mexican wedding cookies, one bite and you’ll understand why they’ve been a beloved tradition for generations.

Why You’ll Love Snowball Cookies

• Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are soft and buttery with a delicate crumb that just melts as soon as you take a bite. The powdered sugar coating adds a light sweetness that complements the nutty center perfectly. It’s that irresistible texture that makes them hard to stop at just one. They’re the kind of cookie everyone remembers long after the holidays are over!

• So easy to make: This is a no-fuss cookie recipe with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. No fancy equipment or chilling time required—just mix, roll, and bake. It’s a great recipe for beginner bakers or to make with kids. You can have a big batch ready in under an hour!

• Perfect for holiday gifting: Their snowy appearance and bite-sized shape make snowball cookies ideal for wrapping up and gifting during the holidays. They look beautiful in a tin or wrapped in cellophane with a festive ribbon. Plus, they stay fresh for days, so they’re great for mailing or bringing to a cookie swap. Everyone loves receiving homemade cookies, especially ones this cute!

• Customizable flavors: While this version features classic pecans, you can easily swap in walnuts, almonds, or even add a surprise center like a chocolate kiss. You can also dress them up with festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint. It’s a fun base recipe that allows for creativity while still being incredibly tasty. No matter the variation, they always turn out delicious.

• Make-ahead and freezer friendly: Snowball cookies are a great recipe to prep in advance. You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies and they’ll taste just as amazing later. That makes holiday baking way less stressful. Just bake and sugar-coat when you’re ready to serve or gift!

Ingredients For Snowball Cookies

• Unsalted butter – Gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

• Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness inside the cookie and coats the outside for that signature snowy look.

• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with a warm, cozy aroma.

• All-purpose flour – The base of the cookie dough that holds everything together.

• Finely chopped pecans – Adds a nutty flavor and slight crunch in every bite.

• Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery flavor.

• Extra powdered sugar – For rolling the cookies after baking, twice, for that classic snowball finish.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Snowball Cookies

• Mixing bowl – You’ll need a large bowl to mix your cookie dough.

• Electric mixer – Makes it quick and easy to cream the butter and sugar until smooth.

• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurately measuring flour, sugar, nuts, and more.

• Spatula – Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix everything evenly.

• Baking sheet – Used to bake the cookies to golden perfection.

• Wire cooling rack – Essential for cooling the cookies before the final sugar roll.

• Shallow bowl – Perfect for rolling the cookies in powdered sugar after baking.

How To Make Snowball Cookies

• Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your dough is done.

• In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until nice and creamy.

• Stir in the flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans until a soft dough forms.

• Use your hands to shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.

• Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced out so they have room to bake.

• Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are still pale.

• Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar and place back on the rack.

• Once completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to give them that perfect snowball finish.

Serving Suggestions

• These snowball cookies are perfect served with a hot cup of lemon honey tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat.

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• Arrange them on a festive holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread cookies, cutout sugar cookies, and peppermint bark.

• For gift giving, place them in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper or wrap a few in cellophane tied with a ribbon.

• They also make a lovely addition to a dessert buffet at holiday parties or family gatherings.

• Serve them chilled or at room temperature—either way, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!

Tips For Success

• Use properly softened butter – Butter should be soft enough to press with your finger but not melted. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and melted butter can make the dough spread too much. Room temperature is just right for mixing the dough smoothly. This helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Measure the flour correctly – Always use the spoon-and-level method for flour. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much and lead to dry cookies. The dough should be soft but hold together easily when rolled. Too much flour can make the cookies dense and crumbly.

• Finely chop the pecans – Large nut pieces can prevent the dough from sticking together. Chop the pecans very fine so they blend evenly into the dough. This keeps the cookies tender and smooth. It also makes them easier to roll and bake evenly.

• Don’t overbake – The cookies should look pale on top with lightly golden bottoms. Overbaking dries them out and makes them too firm. Keep a close eye on them around the 12-minute mark. It’s better to take them out slightly underdone than overdone.

• Roll in powdered sugar twice – The first roll should be done while the cookies are still warm—it helps the sugar stick. Once cooled, roll them again to give them that snowy, finished look. This double coating makes them sweet, pretty, and extra festive. It’s the secret to that classic snowball cookie style.

• If the dough feels too dry, use your hands – Sometimes the dough might seem crumbly after mixing. Gently kneading it with your hands will help bring it together. The warmth from your hands softens the butter slightly. This helps form smooth, round balls that bake evenly.

Variations And Substitutions

• Use different nuts – Pecans are traditional, but you can easily swap them out. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend smoothly into the dough. Each type of nut brings a unique flavor and slight texture variation.

• Make them nut-free – If you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy, you can leave the nuts out entirely. The cookies will still hold together and have that buttery, crumbly texture. You might need to slightly reduce the flour if the dough feels too dry. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added for extra flavor.

• Add chocolate chips or chunks – Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate can be folded into the dough. This adds a rich twist and pairs beautifully with the buttery base. Just don’t add too much—about ½ cup is plenty. These make a fun and unexpected variation that chocolate lovers will enjoy.

• Surprise center – For a fun variation, try stuffing the dough with a chocolate kiss, mini caramel, or peanut butter cup. Just flatten the dough slightly, wrap it around the candy, and roll into a ball. It creates a gooey surprise in the middle. These are especially popular at cookie exchanges!

• Flavor twist – Add a splash of almond extract or orange zest to give these cookies a different flavor. Almond adds a deeper, nutty note, while citrus zest gives a fresh, holiday-inspired touch. You could even mix in a little cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced version. These small changes go a long way in making the recipe your own.

• Festive coating ideas – Instead of plain powdered sugar, try mixing in a little crushed peppermint for a holiday kick. You can also roll them in colored sugar or edible glitter for a fun and festive finish. Another idea is to drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. These visual upgrades are perfect for parties or gifting.

• Make them gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if you want to make these cookies without wheat. The texture may vary slightly, but the cookies still come out tender and delicious. Be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for best results. It’s an easy swap for those with dietary restrictions.

• Vegan option – Swap the butter for vegan butter and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The results are still rich and delicious. Use a mild-flavored vegan butter to keep the classic taste. These substitutions allow more people to enjoy this holiday favorite.

Storage and Reheating

• Room temperature storage – Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. To keep them from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between layers. Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup. They’ll stay fresh, soft, and ready to serve whenever you need a quick treat.

• Freezing baked cookies – These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and roll in a little fresh powdered sugar to revive their snowy look.

• Freezing the dough – You can also freeze the dough before baking. Roll into balls, place them on a tray, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, place them directly on a baking sheet and add a few extra minutes to the bake time—no need to thaw.

• Reheating tips – While these cookies don’t require reheating, if you prefer them slightly warm, pop one in the microwave for 5–7 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat or the powdered sugar may melt. For a crisp edge, you can warm them in a toaster oven for a minute or two. Be sure to dust with a little extra sugar after reheating if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are snowball cookies made of?

Snowball cookies are made with simple pantry staples: butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, finely chopped nuts (typically pecans), and a pinch of salt. After baking, they’re rolled in powdered sugar to give them that classic “snowy” appearance. The result is a buttery, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. These cookies are often enjoyed around the holidays but are delicious any time of year.

Why are my snowball cookies falling apart?

If your cookies are too crumbly or falling apart, it’s usually due to dry dough. This can happen if too much flour was added or the nuts weren’t chopped finely enough. Be sure to measure the flour using the spoon-and-level method and chop the nuts into tiny pieces so they blend smoothly. If the dough still feels too dry, gently knead it with your hands until it comes together.

Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?

Yes, snowball cookies can be made nut-free and will still have that tender, buttery texture. Just omit the nuts and slightly reduce the amount of flour if the dough seems too dry. Some people like to add mini chocolate chips or dried fruit instead. This is a great option for anyone with allergies or if you’re baking for kids who prefer nut-free treats.

How long do snowball cookies stay fresh?

Snowball cookies stay fresh for about one week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months. If you freeze them already baked, just let them thaw at room temperature and roll in extra powdered sugar to refresh the coating. If you froze the dough, bake them straight from frozen with just a few extra minutes in the oven.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on how many cookies you want to make. If you double it, just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly so everything combines evenly. For smaller batches, halve all the ingredients and follow the same steps—bake time stays the same. It’s a great recipe to adjust for gatherings or small households.

Can I add different flavors to snowball cookies?

Yes! A splash of almond extract or a bit of citrus zest adds a fun twist to the classic flavor. You can also roll them in crushed peppermint candy mixed with powdered sugar for a holiday variation. Some bakers even add spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a cozy, spiced version. These cookies are very versatile and easy to customize.

Why do I roll the cookies in sugar twice?

Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar stick and slightly melt into the surface. Once the cookies are completely cooled, rolling them again gives them that perfect powdery white finish. This double coating not only improves the look but also enhances the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Skipping the second roll may leave the cookies looking a bit dull.

Can I bake these ahead of time?

Yes! Snowball cookies are a fantastic make-ahead option. You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. They actually taste even better after a day or two, as the flavors have time to settle. If making for a big event or holiday, consider freezing the dough or baked cookies for added convenience.

Other Easy Cookie Recipes

Chewy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie – These soft and chewy cookies are packed with gooey caramel and melty chocolate chips for the ultimate sweet treat.

Sesame Seed Cookies – Crisp and buttery, these sesame seed cookies are full of nutty flavor and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Funfetti Cookies – These colorful Funfetti cookies made with cake mix are soft, sweet, and bursting with rainbow sprinkles in every bite.

M&M Candy Cookies – Soft-baked and loaded with chocolate M&M candies, these cookies are a fun and festive treat for any occasion.

Maraschino Cherry Drop Cookies – These pretty pink drop cookies are flavored with sweet maraschino cherries and topped with a cherry on top!

Hamantaschen Cookies – These classic triangle-shaped Hamantaschen are filled with sweet jam and perfect for celebrating Purim.

Coconut Macaroons (Gluten-Free Cookies) – Made with just two ingredients, these naturally gluten-free coconut macaroons are chewy, sweet, and incredibly easy to make.

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