Snowball cookies are simple, buttery treats that melt in your mouth and are covered in powdered sugar to look like little snowy balls. They are often called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, and they are a favorite during the holidays and all year round.
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What makes snowball cookies special is their crumbly texture and the sweet, nutty flavor from chopped pecans or walnuts mixed right into the dough. You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make them, so they are perfect if you want a quick and tasty homemade cookie.
You can enjoy snowball cookies with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them a cozy snack any time of year. Plus, you can make them ahead and even freeze them, which makes your holiday baking easier and stress-free.
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How to Make Snowball Cookies
Making snowball cookies involves mixing simple ingredients, shaping the dough gently, and coating the cookies in powdered sugar just right. You’ll need the right nuts and butter for flavor and texture. The process includes clear steps to bake tender, crumbly cookies that hold their shape and melt in your mouth.
Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Add the flour and salt, stirring until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
Once completely cool, roll them again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. a few minutes so they firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before coating with sugar.
Tips for Shaping and Rolling
Keep your hands cool while shaping the dough. If warm, the butter softens too much and the dough becomes sticky. You can chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft.
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Roll each cookie gently into a smooth ball. Avoid too much pressure to keep the cookies light and tender. You can use a small cookie scoop to get even sizes.
Place the balls fairly close to keep them soft inside. If shapes crack before baking, press them lightly to smooth the surface.
Best Way to Coat with Powdered Sugar
After the cookies are fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Use a shallow bowl and roll each cookie once or twice to get a good coat.
For a thicker layer, wait a few minutes after the first coating, then roll again. This creates a nice, even cover that sticks well and gives the classic look.
Avoid coating while the cookies are warm, or the sugar will melt and clump instead of dusting smoothly. Store cookies in an airtight container to keep the sugar fresh.
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Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
You can change up snowball cookies to fit your taste or dietary needs. Adding different flavors or making them gluten-free or vegan is easy. Also, storing and prepping these cookies ahead helps keep them fresh and ready.
Flavor Twists and Add-Ins
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. If you prefer no nuts, mix in mini chocolate chips or dried cherries for a sweet surprise.
Spices like cinnamon, ginger, or lemon zest can brighten the flavor. For a festive touch, roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar to get that classic snowy look.
You can also swap plain butter for brown butter to get a richer, nuttier taste. These small changes make each batch your own.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
To make gluten-free snowball cookies, replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to hold things together. Keep the texture crumbly but soft by adding a little more fat, like butter or vegan butter.
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and skip eggs if your recipe has them. Many recipes don’t need eggs, so check the ingredients first.
Powdered sugar coating stays the same and works well for all versions. With these swaps, you can enjoy snowball cookies even with special diets.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep the powdered sugar coating fresh by adding extra sugar before serving if it fades.
You can freeze both baked cookies and cookie dough. Wrap baked cookies in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
For dough, shape balls and freeze on a tray first. Then store in a bag to bake fresh when you want. This saves time and keeps cookies tasting great.
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