Fluffy Snowball Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Winter Treat

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around these delightful snowball cookies that melt faster than winter’s first flurry.

Sweet powdered sugar coats each morsel like a gentle blanket of freshness.

Holiday gatherings always sparkle when these delicate treats appear on the dessert table.

Biting into a cloud-soft cookie that crumbles gently and leaves a whisper of vanilla.

Nutty and rich, these little spheres connect generations through simple ingredients and shared moments.

Compact yet incredibly satisfying, they demand nothing more than a quiet corner and a warm mug.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of these magical winter-inspired delights.

New Twists On Classic Snowball Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet surprise. The chips melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of rich chocolate throughout the classic snowball cookie.
• Almond Orange Snowballs: Replace half the vanilla extract with orange zest and swap walnuts for sliced almonds. A citrusy note brightens the traditional recipe, giving a fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Coconut Snowball Crunch: Mix shredded coconut into the dough and roll finished cookies in a combination of powdered sugar and coconut flakes. This version adds tropical texture and a subtle coconut sweetness.
• Spiced Pecan Snowballs: Incorporate ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the flour mixture. Use toasted pecans for an extra layer of warmth and depth, perfect for winter gatherings.

Common Questions About Snowball Cookies

• Why are these called Snowball Cookies?

These delightful cookies get their name from their white, powdery appearance after being rolled in powdered sugar, which resembles small snowballs covering the entire cookie.

• Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! While the recipe traditionally uses pecans or walnuts, you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts to create your own unique flavor profile.

• Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first coating helps create a base layer, while the second coating ensures a thicker, more festive “snowy” look that makes these cookies extra special and visually appealing.

• Are Snowball Cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! These cookies are surprisingly simple, requiring basic ingredients and minimal baking skills. They’re perfect for bakers of all experience levels and make great holiday treats.

Why Snowball Cookies Melt In Your Mouth

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Magic: These snowball cookies dissolve instantly on your tongue, creating a delightful buttery sensation that feels like a delicate winter treat.
• Quick and Easy Delight: Whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or spontaneous baking sessions.
• Festive Powdered Perfection: The double coating of powdered sugar gives these cookies a stunning snow-white appearance, making them an absolute showstopper for holiday gatherings and winter celebrations.
• Nutty Textural Wonderland: Finely chopped nuts add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, transforming these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary with their rich, subtle nuttiness.

Everything You’ll Need For Snowball Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for the cookie's tender texture. Softened butter ensures smooth mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and helps achieve smooth cookie consistency.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and creates the classic snowball cookie crumb. Use fresh, sifted flour for best results.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth. Pure vanilla offers the best taste.
• Chopped Nuts: Provides delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Pecans or walnuts work wonderfully. Finely chop for even distribution.
• Additional Powdered Sugar: For coating the cookies, creating the signature snowy appearance. Use fresh, sifted powdered sugar for smooth coverage.

Simple Steps For Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up Your Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to create a perfect landing spot for your soon-to-be delicious treats.

Step 2: Whip Up a Creamy Base

Grab your mixing bowl and transform softened butter and powdered sugar into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until they’re light, airy, and looking absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Blend in Flavor Boosters

• All-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• Finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Mix gently until everything comes together like a delightful winter symphony.

Step 4: Craft Your Cookie Treasures

Roll tiny portions of dough between your palms, creating perfect little spheres. Place these cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, giving them just enough breathing room.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let magic happen. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms turn a gentle golden color while keeping the tops pale and delicate.

Step 6: Sugar-Coated Transformation

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, lovingly roll each cookie in a snowfall of powdered sugar. Transfer to a wire rack and repeat the sugar coating once they’ve cooled completely.

Step 7: Enjoy and Share

Store these heavenly bites in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week – if they last that long! Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.

Tips For The Best Snowball Cookies Texture

• Butter Softening Trick: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, evenly mixed dough.
• Nut Selection Strategy: Swap pecans or walnuts for almonds, toasting them briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and create deeper richness.
• Rolling Technique Hack: Use a light touch when shaping cookies to prevent dense, tough results; gently roll dough between palms for perfect round shapes.
• Sugar Coating Pro Tip: Double-coat cookies while slightly warm and again after cooling for a thick, snowlike powdered sugar layer that looks professionally finished.
• Storage Wisdom: Keep cookies between parchment layers in an airtight container to maintain their delicate texture and prevent crumbling during storage.

Store And Enjoy Snowball Cookies Later

• Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 7 days.
• Freeze: Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. These delicate treats will maintain their quality for 2-3 months.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving to restore their classic snowball look.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 35 minutes if you prefer them slightly crisp. Allow to cool and recoat with powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish.

Great Pairings With Snowball Cookies

• Pair with Warm Spiced Tea: Brew a comforting chai or cinnamon tea that complements the nutty, buttery texture of snowball cookies. The spicy warmth perfectly balances the sweet, delicate powdered sugar coating.
• Match with Rich Hot Chocolate: Create a decadent chocolate drink topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The creamy richness harmonizes beautifully with the crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Crumble a snowball cookie over a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast between cold and warm, soft and crisp. The subtle vanilla notes enhance the cookie's delicate flavor.
• Enjoy with Almond Milk Latte: The nutty undertones of an almond milk latte beautifully echo the chopped nuts in the cookies, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels cozy and indulgent.

Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful snowball cookies bring winter magic to sweet treats, melting hearts with powdery Mexican wedding cookie charm. Buttery pecan crumbles rolled in confectioners’ sugar promise a delectable moment you’ll savor with pure holiday joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Sweetening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning Ingredient:

• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the middle position and heating to 350F (175C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cookie distribution.
2. Combine softened butter and powdered sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whipping vigorously until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
3. Introduce vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly. Carefully fold in flour and salt, mixing gently to prevent overmixing. Incorporate finely chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
4. Craft uniform cookies by portioning the dough into small, consistent spheres using a tablespoon. Arrange the delicate rounds on the prepared baking sheet, leaving modest spaces between each cookie.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to transform for 10-12 minutes. Watch for a subtle golden hue developing along the bottom edges while maintaining a pristine pale top.
6. Remove the cookies and let them rest briefly on the baking sheet. While still warm, delicately enrobe each cookie in a generous layer of powdered sugar. After the initial coating, transfer to a cooling rack and repeat the powdered sugar dusting for a luxurious, snow-like finish.
7. Once completely cooled, nestle the finished cookies in an airtight container, where they will remain fresh and delectable for up to one week at room temperature.

Notes

• Choose room temperature butter for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture, ensuring it’s soft but not melted.
• Chop nuts finely to distribute evenly throughout the dough and prevent large chunks that might disrupt the delicate cookie structure.
• Use a light touch when rolling cookies in powdered sugar to maintain their delicate shape and prevent crumbling.
• For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg