Light, buttery, and dusted in powdered sugar, Snowball Cookies are a holiday tradition that never goes out of style. With their delicate crumb and nutty flavor, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy with coffee, hot chocolate, or as part of a festive cookie tray.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Pantry staples, nothing fancy.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture – Buttery, crumbly, and delicate.
- Festive look – Coated in “snowy” powdered sugar.
- Make-ahead friendly – They store beautifully for days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts/almonds)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- Beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add flour and salt; stir until combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
Step 2: Chill
- Cover dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes (firms up for rolling).
Step 3: Shape
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Coat in Sugar
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar until coated.
- Let cool completely.
- Roll again in powdered sugar for that snowy look.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee
- Add to holiday cookie platters
- Wrap in tins or jars for edible gifts
Tips & Variations
- Nut swap: Try hazelnuts or pistachios for a fun twist.
- Extra flavor: Add ½ tsp almond extract.
- Festive flair: Roll in colored sanding sugar instead of powdered sugar.
- Make ahead: Store in an airtight container up to 1 week; freeze up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works
The high butter content keeps these cookies tender, while the nuts add crunch and depth. Rolling them in powdered sugar while warm ensures the sugar clings — then rolling again after cooling gives them their signature snowy finish.
Final Bite
Soft, buttery, and sweetly dusted like fresh snow, these Snowball Cookies are a must-bake for the holidays. They’re quick, easy, and a guaranteed hit on any dessert table.
So grab some butter, sugar, and nuts — and let it snow in your kitchen!