Heavenly Snowball Cookies Recipe

Buttery Snow-Dusted Treats: Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe

Delicate and powdery, these snowball cookies dance with a classic holiday charm that melts hearts faster than winter’s first snowfall.

Nestled in a cloud of powdered sugar, the snowball cookies recipe brings a delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture to every festive gathering.

Buttery pecans blend seamlessly with rich, tender dough, creating a sweet treat that whispers nostalgia.

Each delicate orb promises a moment of pure winter magic, dusted with a generous coating of snow-white sugar.

Perfectly bite-sized and irresistibly simple, these cookies transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary memories.

One taste transports you to cozy kitchen moments filled with warmth and laughter.

Dive into this beloved recipe and let the holiday spirit sparkle with every delectable bite.

Snowball Cookies Ingredient List

For Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and luxurious flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Delicate sweetener that creates smooth, cloud-like cookie consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that adds warm, comforting depth to the cookie's flavor profile.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural backbone that gives cookies their delicate, crumbly texture.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor amplifier that balances and brightens the overall sweetness.
  • Chopped Nuts: Crunchy element that introduces delightful textural contrast and nutty undertones.
For Coating:
  • Powdered Sugar: Snowy, decorative layer that transforms cookies into elegant, festive treats with a delicate, melt-on-your-tongue finish.

Tools For Mixing Snowball Cookies Right

  • Mixing bowl: Large, perfect for creaming butter and mixing ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for beating butter and sugar until fluffy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for even cookie baking.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Tablespoon: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal.
  • Small bowl: For rolling cookies in powdered sugar.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Steps To Bake Snowball Cookies That Don’t Crumble

  • Cozy Kitchen Prep

Get your baking space ready with a clean surface and all your ingredients nearby. Warm up the oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect environment for these delightful morsels.

  • Butter Magic

In a spacious mixing bowl, transform butter into a cloud-like mixture by whipping it with powdered sugar. The goal is a fluffy, dreamy texture that feels like a winter morning cuddle.

  • Dough Creation

Gently fold in vanilla, then gradually introduce flour and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle in nutty goodness to give these cookies their signature crunch. The dough should feel soft and slightly crumbly.

  • Cookie Shaping

Roll small portions of dough into perfect little spheres. Each ball should be about the size of a walnut, nestled softly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Baking Moment

Slide the tray into the oven and let the cookies transform. They’ll turn a gentle golden color on the bottom while maintaining a pale, delicate top. This takes roughly 10-12 minutes of patient waiting.

  • Sugar Snowfall

As soon as the cookies emerge, let them rest briefly. While still warm, roll each one in a generous drift of powdered sugar. Once completely cool, give them another sugar coating for that magical snow-covered look.

  • Serving Delight

Arrange these delicate treats on a beautiful plate. They’ll keep their charm for about a week when stored in an airtight container, ready to bring winter warmth anytime.

Add-Ins For Snowball Cookies You’ll Love

  • Nutty Flavor Boost: Experiment with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate cookie base.
  • Gluten-Free Magic: Swap traditional flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies accessible for those with gluten sensitivities. Add a pinch of xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Chocolate Lover's Twist: Mix in mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decadent chocolate variation that adds richness to the classic recipe.
  • Festive Flavor Infusion: Incorporate orange zest, almond extract, or a dash of cinnamon into the dough to create seasonal variations that bring extra warmth and complexity to the traditional snowball cookie.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to a month. This allows for easy preparation and fresh-baked cookies anytime.

How To Serve Snowball Cookies With Powdered Sugar

  • Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange these delicate snowball cookies alongside chocolate truffles and peppermint bark for a festive winter dessert display that looks stunning and tastes magical.
  • Afternoon Tea Partner: Serve these buttery cookies with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea, creating a delightful mid-afternoon treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack these powdery cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, making them a charming homemade gift for neighbors, teachers, or holiday hosts.
  • Dessert Buffet Star: Create a beautiful cookie tray featuring these snowball cookies as the centerpiece, surrounded by other bite-sized treats for elegant entertaining.

Storage Tips For Snowball Cookies To Stay Soft

  • Cookie Batch Brilliance: Prepare a double batch and freeze unbaked dough balls for spontaneous baking moments. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months, and bake directly from frozen state.
  • Moisture Magic: Keep cookies soft by adding a slice of bread to the storage container, which helps maintain ideal humidity and prevents crumbling.
  • Layering Technique: When storing, place parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking and preserve delicate powdered sugar coating. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
  • Temperature Wisdom: Store at room temperature in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating, which can cause cookies to lose their delicate texture and absorb unwanted refrigerator odors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 136 kcal

Servings: 23

Print
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Heavenly Snowball Cookies Recipe

Heavenly Snowball Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Mexican wedding cookies showcase festive powdered sugar-coated delights that melt in your mouth. Delicate nutty crumbles create sweet memories you’ll cherish during holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position oven rack in middle and preheat to 350F (175C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cookie placement.
  2. Creaming: Whip softened butter and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and pale, creating a smooth, aerated mixture. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending seamlessly.
  3. Dough Formation: Gently fold flour and salt into butter mixture, avoiding overmixing. Integrate finely chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
  4. Shaping and Baking: Portion dough into uniform small spheres and arrange on prepared baking sheet with modest spacing. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for subtle golden edges while maintaining a pristine pale top.
  5. Coating and Cooling: Immediately after removing from oven, while cookies are still warm, generously coat each with powdered sugar. Transfer to cooling rack and apply a second sugar dusting for a luxurious, snow-like finish. Allow complete cooling.
  6. Storage: Once fully cooled, store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh and delectable for up to one week.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Gentle Mixing Magic: Fold flour and nuts with a light hand to prevent tough, dense cookies – overmixing leads to hard results.
  • Sugar Coating Technique: Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately after baking for thicker, more even sugar coverage that sticks perfectly.
  • Nut Flexibility: Swap pecans or walnuts based on preference, ensuring nuts are finely chopped to maintain delicate cookie structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 136
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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