Delicious Snowball Cookies Recipe for Perfect Holiday Treats

Posted on November 15, 2025

The soft crumble, the powdered sugar dusting your fingertips, and the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness—snowball cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. These cookies have been a staple in my family’s Christmas baking traditions for years, and honestly, they never disappoint. Whether you’re planning gifts for neighbors or just want to fill your kitchen with a bit of holiday magic, this recipe is a must-try.

I still remember the first time I made these. I was determined to recreate my grandmother’s snowball cookies, with their delicate texture and perfect sweetness. After a few experiments (and some very messy kitchen counters), I finally nailed it, and now this recipe has become a cherished part of our holiday festivities. Let me share all my tips and tricks for making these classic cookies flawless every single time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: These snowball cookies come together in less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
Minimal Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just pantry staples and a little butter magic.
Perfect for the Holidays: Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or gifting treats to friends, these cookies are a hit every time.
Kid-Friendly: My kids love rolling these cookies into balls and dunking them in powdered sugar—it’s a fun activity for the whole family!
Classic Comfort: One bite and you’re transported back to childhood—these cookies are nostalgia in every bite.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the nuts or add a hint of spice to make them your own.

What sets this snowball cookies recipe apart is the balance of buttery richness and the crunch of finely chopped nuts. They’re not overly sweet but delightfully crumbly, making them the perfect pairing with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Plus, that snowy powdered sugar finish? It’s like a winter wonderland on your dessert plate.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Each plays a role in creating the iconic texture and flavor of snowball cookies.

Unsalted Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and rich flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this is used both in the dough and for coating the cookies (it’s what gives them their snowball look!).
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet note to the cookies.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough—make sure to measure accurately for the right texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work wonderfully. Chop them finely for the best texture. (I personally love pecans for their buttery taste.)

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can try a few substitutions:

Swap unsalted butter for salted butter, just omit the pinch of salt.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
Make them nut-free by using sunflower seed flour or finely chopped seeds instead of nuts.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment to make these delightful snowball cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing Bowls: At least two: one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar—if you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk will do the trick.
Baking Sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key for baking!
Cooling Rack: Helps the cookies cool evenly without becoming soggy.

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease your baking sheets lightly with butter or use a silicone baking mat for a non-stick surface. A food processor can also come in handy for chopping nuts finely, but a sharp knife works just as well.

Preparation Method

Follow these easy steps to make the best snowball cookies! Just be ready for the fun (and a bit of powdered sugar everywhere).

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (230g) of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup (60g) of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Fold in 1 cup (120g) of finely chopped nuts of your choice. Ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should not brown.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack.
Once the cookies are cool enough to handle but still slightly warm, roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated. For an extra snowy look, roll them a second time after they’ve cooled completely.

And there you have it—beautiful snowball cookies that look as good as they taste!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense.
Chop Nuts Finely: Large chunks can make the dough crumbly and hard to roll into balls. A food processor works wonders here!
Use Room Temperature Butter: This ensures the dough comes together smoothly—you don’t want it too cold or melted.
Avoid Overbaking: Snowball cookies should have lightly golden bottoms and soft tops. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Double Coat with Powdered Sugar: Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them that signature snowy look and extra sweetness.

One thing I’ve learned over the years? Always make a double batch! These cookies disappear faster than you’d think, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven.

Variations & Adaptations

Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: After the first powdered sugar coating, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for added richness.
Spiced Snowballs: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, festive twist.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Nut-Free Option: Use toasted oats or sunflower seeds instead of nuts for a nut-free version.

My personal favorite? Adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla—it gives the cookies a subtle marzipan-like flavor that screams holidays.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Snowball cookies are best served at room temperature, with a dusting of fresh powdered sugar for extra presentation points. Arrange them on a festive plate or in a decorative tin for gifting. Pair them with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk.

Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze these cookies for longer storage—just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again for a fresh finish.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

One snowball cookie contains approximately:

Calories: 120
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1.5g

With key ingredients like nuts, these cookies offer healthy fats and a bit of protein alongside their sweet flavor. They’re also naturally egg-free, making them suitable for people with egg allergies.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make treat that’s guaranteed to impress, these snowball cookies are your answer. Their delicate texture and irresistible sweetness make them a holiday favorite for kids and adults alike.

I love how versatile this recipe is—you can make it your own with different nuts or a hint of spice. Plus, they make the perfect gift for neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who loves a bit of Christmas cheer.

So, grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking! I’d love to hear how your snowball cookies turn out—leave a comment below and share your favorite variation or holiday baking memory. Happy holidays!

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but make sure to skip the added pinch of salt in the recipe.

What nuts work best for snowball cookies?

Pecans are a classic choice, but walnuts and almonds work just as well. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. They also freeze very well.

Why are my cookies falling apart?

If your dough is too crumbly, it may need more moisture. Try adding a tablespoon of softened butter or a teaspoon of water to help it come together.

Do I have to double coat the cookies in powdered sugar?

No, but the second coating adds extra sweetness and that perfect snowy look. It’s worth the extra step!

Pin This Recipe!