Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a classic holiday treat that melt in your mouth with every bite. These buttery, nutty cookies are coated in powdered sugar, giving them their iconic “snowball” appearance. Perfect for Christmas, cookie exchanges, or as a year-round sweet treat, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.

With a rich, buttery flavor and delicate crumb, snowball cookies are a nostalgic favorite that bring a touch of magic to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are a holiday classic for a reason. They’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, and they have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Here’s why they’re a must-bake recipe:

Perfect for Christmas and holiday baking.
Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes.
Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Ideal for gift-giving or cookie exchanges.
A timeless recipe passed down through generations.

Snowball Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla:
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
Shape the Dough:
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
First Sugar Coating:
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
Cool and Coat Again:
Let the cookies cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar a second time for that signature snowball look.

Tips and Variations

Nut Options: Use pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts — whichever you prefer.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract for a unique twist.
Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Snowball Cookies are a festive and timeless treat that bring joy to every bite. With their buttery texture, nutty flavor, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, gifts, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Bake a batch this holiday season, and watch these classic cookies become a family tradition for years to come.