Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies always bring me back to my grandmother’s kitchen and where the smell of toasted nuts and warm butter filled the air during December afternoons and I remember watching her carefully roll each cookie by hand and then dusting them with powdered sugar like fresh-fallen snow. She’d let me shake the bag of sugar-coated cookies at the end and it made me feel like I was part of something special and sweet. That moment simple and magical is what I try to recreate every time I bake a batch of these nostalgic treats.

Now that I’ve made them dozens of times myself and I’ve come to love their simplicity and how just a few ingredients can turn into something so satisfying and festive. These cookies are buttery and delicate and they melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether I’m gifting them in little holiday tins or setting them out for family with mugs of cocoa and they never last long. They’re the kind of cookie that quietly steals the show with their tender crumb and snowy finish.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use to make these timeless snowball cookies it’s a short list but each ingredient plays a big role!

• Unsalted butter – The foundation of the cookie and gives richness and structure
• Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and a melt in your mouth texture
• Vanilla extract – Infuses the dough with a warm and cozy flavor
• All-purpose flour – Provides the body and keeps the cookies tender
• Chopped pecans or walnuts – Add a subtle crunch and nutty depth
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor
• Extra powdered sugar – For rolling the cookies after baking and giving them their “snowball” look

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl – To combine the ingredients easily and thoroughly
• Electric mixer or hand whisk – Creams the butter and sugar to create a light dough
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions
• Baking sheet – Used to bake the cookies evenly
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and promotes even browning
• Small cookie scoop or spoon – Helps portion the dough into uniform balls
• Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool completely before dusting
• Sifter or fine-mesh strainer – For an even layer of powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I always begin by preheating my oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl and I cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy and then I stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

I gradually mix in the flour and a pinch of salt and once it’s incorporated and I fold in the finely chopped nuts. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly but that’s perfect.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon and I roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls and place them about an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

I bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should stay pale and soft-looking.

Step 6: Cool and Roll in Sugar

After they come out of the oven and I let them cool for just 5 minutes on the baking sheet and while they’re still warm and I gently roll them in powdered sugar. Once they cool completely and I roll them again for a thick snowy coating.

Tips

I find that toasting the nuts slightly before adding them gives the cookies extra depth of flavor. If the dough feels too dry and I knead it a bit with my hands – the warmth helps bring it together. For the best coating and I always roll the cookies in sugar twice once while warm and again after they’ve cooled completely. And if you’re making these ahead and they store beautifully in an airtight tin for over a week!

Ways to Serve

Snowball cookies are a holiday staple on cookie platters and dessert tables. I love serving them with hot chocolate or coffee during gift exchanges and quiet winter afternoons. For parties and I arrange them in a snowy mound with a few sugared cranberries for a pop of color. They also make perfect edible gifts just tuck a few into a festive tin or wrap in clear bags with a ribbon. Their subtle nutty sweetness pairs wonderfully with other spiced or buttery cookies and makes them ideal for holiday variety trays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Snowball Cookies ahead of time?

Yes and I usually bake them a few days early and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I freeze Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely. I freeze them after the first sugar roll and add the second coating after thawing for best results.

What nuts work best in Snowball Cookies?

I like pecans or walnuts but almonds work too. Just make sure they’re finely chopped.

Why did my Snowball Cookies spread too much?

If the dough was too warm or not firm enough and they may spread slightly. Chill the dough briefly before baking if needed.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you find as much joy in making these Snowball Cookies as I do they’re soft, simple, and full of holiday charm. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself, these little snowy bites are always welcome. Share your batch with me I’d love to see your powdered masterpieces!

Happy Cooking!

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