Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe for the Holiday Season

Introduction

Snowball cookies are a holiday favorite for a reason. These buttery, nutty cookies, rolled in powdered sugar, are a delightful addition to any festive spread. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy appearance make them a classic dessert that’s synonymous with the season. Often referred to as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, these cookies are loved worldwide and offer a timeless charm to your holiday table.

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Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, snowball cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, gifting them in a holiday tin, or enjoying them with a cup of cocoa, these cookies bring warmth and sweetness to every occasion. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on each new recipe!

What Are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are small, round cookies made from a simple dough of butter, flour, powdered sugar, and finely chopped nuts. Once baked, they’re rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their iconic “snowball” look. These cookies are light, crumbly, and have a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with their sweet coating.

Traditionally made with pecans or walnuts, snowball cookies can be customized with different nuts or even made nut-free for those with allergies. Their versatility and festive appearance make them a favorite during the holiday season, enjoyed in homes around the world.

Key Ingredients for Snowball Cookies

To make these classic cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base and buttery flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Used both in the dough and as a sweet, snowy coating.
• Flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them light.
• Nuts: Finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds add texture and flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cookies.

Tools You’ll Need

Here are a few tools that will make your cookie-making process easier:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dough ingredients.
• Cookie Scoop: Ensures evenly sized cookies for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheet: To bake the cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Sifter or Fine Mesh Strainer: For dusting powdered sugar over the cookies.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and stir until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
2. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Shape the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
5. Roll in Sugar: While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. Let cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again for a thicker coating.

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies

• Use Softened Butter: Room-temperature butter ensures a smooth, well-mixed dough.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
• Finely Chop the Nuts: Small, evenly sized nut pieces ensure the cookies hold their shape.
• Double Sugar Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives them their signature snowy appearance.

Variations to Try

How to Properly Store Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored properly to maintain their buttery texture and delightful flavor for days or even weeks. Once your cookies are completely cooled and dusted with powdered sugar, place them in an airtight container. To prevent the cookies from sticking together, layer them with sheets of parchment or wax paper. This will also help maintain their snowy appearance by minimizing smudging of the powdered sugar coating.

For short-term storage, keep the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, snowball cookies can stay fresh for up to 7 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, they can also be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to allow their buttery flavor and crumbly texture to shine.

Snowball cookies also freeze beautifully, making them a great option for preparing ahead of the holiday rush. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature and, if needed, re-roll them in powdered sugar to restore their snowy look.

With proper storage, snowball cookies can be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the holiday season, ensuring you always have a festive treat ready to share!

Conclusion: A Timeless Holiday Cookie

Snowball cookies are more than just a dessert, they’re a cherished holiday tradition. Their buttery, crumbly texture, dusted with powdered sugar, evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making them a staple on festive dessert tables year after year. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try creative variations like peppermint or chocolate-covered cranberry, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite.

Perfect for gifting, sharing at gatherings, or enjoying with a warm drink by the fire, snowball cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. They’re easy to make, store beautifully, and offer endless opportunities for customization to suit any flavor preference or dietary need. With their simple ingredients and timeless appeal, these cookies are a must-bake for the holiday season.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more festive recipes, tips, and ideas to make this season magical. Let these cookies bring sweetness and tradition to your holiday celebrations, creating memories that last for years to come!

xoxo,