Snowball Cookies are like edible hugs when you’re craving something sweet – but not too sweet, y’know? Picture this: you’ve had a long, stressful workday, everyone’s a bit cranky, and then out of the blue, you remember – you’ve got a container of homemade Snowball Cookies stashed away.
I know, right? Life suddenly looks ten times brighter. These cookies are simple, nostalgic, and the kind of treat everyone is secretly delighted to see on the table. Oh, and for the nitty gritty details on cookie tweaking or ingredients.
What Are Snowball Cookies?
So, here’s the scoop. Snowball Cookies are those little round ones rolled in powdered sugar – the ones that look like winter dropped by and left a treat. They’ve got a soft, crumbly center and are packed with nuts. I first had them at a holiday party and (not even a joke) ate like eight. They’re also called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, depending on where you grew up. But no matter what you call ’em, they’re classic.
Making them isn’t fancy. In fact, you probably have most of the stuff you need already– butter, sugar, flour, a little vanilla, walnuts or pecans. The dough comes together quick, which is dangerous because you’ll have hot cookies on your counter before you’ve even finished your coffee. While some folks dunk them in sugar once, I do it twice — gets that snow-like coating extra thick and pretty. That’s the kind of over-the-top energy I bring to everything sweet.
These cookies never last long in my kitchen. My neighbor Claire, she said they taste “like winter coziness and grandma’s hugs all rolled up in one.” I mean, I’ll take that.
“These remind me of my childhood. I’ve had a lot of cookies, but nothing beats the old-school flavor of Snowball Cookies. I make ‘em for every potluck!” – Janet T.
Ingredients & Making the Dough
Honestly, nothing wild here. You don’t have to go searching gourmet aisles – banks would probably give you a loan for these because they’re so simple.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temp
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus way more for dusting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (I like pecans, no big deal)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop on a playlist. Trust me, music helps.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy. Stir in vanilla.
- Add flour and salt, mix till it’s just blended (don’t overthink it). Stir in nuts.
- Roll into 1-inch balls. Place ’em on a baking sheet (I line with parchment so nothing sticks).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. The bottoms will be just golden – that’s your sign.
- Cool for a bit, then roll warm cookies in more powdered sugar. Let cool, then roll again for that thick frosty coat.
If things get messy, so what? That’s half the charm with Snowball Cookies.
Why I Love Making Snowball Cookies
Truth? They’re nostalgic, fast, and you don’t need a ton of gear. I actually started baking these because my grandma always made them at Christmas. She’d wear this wild red apron and tell me to “taste just one to check.” I always took three. (Who wouldn’t?)
They also make your whole house smell – kind of warm, cozy, just the tiniest bit nutty. You walk in, and it smells like a snow day. No joke, the aroma alone makes these worth baking. And you know what’s cool? You can tweak the nuts or add tiny chocolate chips if you’re wild like that. But I stick with pecans, old habits die hard.
Kids like rolling the dough (be prepared for a flour bomb in your kitchen, though). And those powdery fingers? My nephew claims licking them clean is the best job in baking. These cookies are simple joy. Old-fashioned, yes. But still a total crowd-pleaser at every age.
Serving Suggestions
Want to get a little fancy (or, ya know, not)? Try these out:
- Serve with a mug of coffee or hot cocoa. They melt in your mouth, trust me.
- Pile ’em on a plate with a sprig of mint. It looks five-star, promise.
- Give them away in little boxes for the holidays. Folks will rave, seriously.
- Hide a batch in your freezer – for emergencies. The good kind.
With these simple add-ons, anyone can feel like a cookie hero. Easy as pie (actually, easier than pie).
Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Snowball Cookies rolled in powdered sugar with a soft, crumbly center and packed with nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temp
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy. Stir in vanilla.
- Add flour and salt, mix until just blended. Stir in nuts.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are just golden.
- Cool slightly, then roll warm cookies in more powdered sugar. Let cool and roll again for an extra thick coating.
Notes
You can substitute walnuts for pecans or add tiny chocolate chips for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg