Snowball Cookie Recipe: Snowball cookies, also affectionately called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are melt-in-your-mouth buttery bites that scream holiday vibes. These snowy white, round cookies are rich, nutty, and crumbly – and best of all, super simple to make. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just craving something sweet and cozy, these cookies never disappoint.
What makes them stand out? It’s that final generous dusting of powdered sugar that gives them their “snowball” name. When you take a bite, you’re hit with a tender, buttery crumb that’s packed with nutty goodness – a flavor that lingers in the best way.
These cookies have been passed down through generations and have become a staple at cookie swaps and holiday parties. Despite their elegant look, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients. You don’t need a fancy list or a trip to a gourmet store – just some pantry staples and one or two specialty items, depending on your flavor preference.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds work best)
Ingredient Notes & Variations:
- Butter: Use real unsalted butter for the best flavor. Margarine won’t give you that rich, creamy taste.
- Nuts: Finely chopping your nuts helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the cookie. You can toast them beforehand for extra depth.
- Powdered Sugar: This acts both as a sweetener and a finishing coat. Granulated sugar doesn’t give the same melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract if possible. A little goes a long way.
- Flour: Don’t overpack your flour. Lightly spoon it into the cup and level it off for accurate measuring.
Optional Add-ins:
- Mini chocolate chips
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist
Tools and Equipment Required
You don’t need a lot of fancy gadgets for these cookies, but a few basic kitchen tools will make the process smoother:
Must-Have Tools:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Nice-to-Have Tools:
- Cookie scoop for uniform size
- Sifter for even powdered sugar dusting
- Nut chopper or food processor
Having everything set up before you start baking will make the entire process more enjoyable. Trust me, once you start mixing, you won’t want to run back to grab a missing tool.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Snowball Cookies
Let’s get down to the real deal. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be popping snowball cookies in your mouth in no time.
Step 1 – Prepping the Ingredients
Before you even think about turning on the oven, prep your ingredients. Let the butter sit at room temperature until it’s soft. Chop your nuts finely – they should be small enough to blend smoothly into the dough without clumping.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
This step is all about getting your kitchen organized. It saves time and reduces baking stress later.
Step 2 – Making the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.
Next, add the vanilla extract and give it a quick mix.
Slowly add in the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. Don’t overmix – that can lead to tough cookies.
Finally, fold in the chopped nuts using a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough will be a bit crumbly, but that’s exactly what you want. If it feels too dry, give it a gentle knead with your hands to help it bind.
Step 3 – Shaping the Cookies
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each piece into a ball using your hands. They should be about 1 inch in diameter.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. They won’t spread much during baking, so you don’t need too much room between them.
If the dough is too soft to roll, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up. This step also helps maintain that perfect round shape during baking.
Step 4 – Baking to Perfection
Pop those little cookie balls into the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. One thing to note: these cookies don’t really change color on top, so don’t wait for a golden top or you’ll overbake them.
Keep an eye on the clock and rotate the baking sheet halfway through if your oven has hot spots. That helps all the cookies bake evenly.
When they’re done, remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is crucial – they’re delicate and can fall apart if moved too soon. Once they’ve firmed up a bit, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely.
At this point, the aroma in your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible. But hold off on eating them just yet – the snow magic is about to happen!
Step 5 – Rolling in Powdered Sugar
Now comes the fun (and messy) part – giving these cookies their snowy coat.
While the cookies are still slightly warm (but not hot), gently roll them in a bowl of powdered sugar. Be generous! This first coating will stick to the warm butter and create a delicious base layer.
Let the cookies cool completely after that first sugar bath. Once they’ve cooled down entirely, give them a second roll in powdered sugar. This final coat gives them that iconic snowball look – fluffy, festive, and oh-so-satisfying.
If you’re prepping these for a party or holiday tray, consider placing them in mini cupcake liners. It keeps them neat and adds a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
Even though this is a super simple recipe, a few tips can help take your cookies from good to spectacular:
- Measure flour properly – Scooping directly from the bag packs in more flour than needed. Spoon it into your cup and level it off.
- Use softened butter, not melted – Melted butter will make the dough greasy and lead to flat cookies.
- Chill the dough if it’s sticky – This helps with rolling and keeps your cookies from spreading.
- Double-coat with powdered sugar – That second roll ensures every bite has that signature melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- Don’t skip the nuts – Unless you have allergies, the finely chopped nuts are essential for flavor and texture.
And remember – don’t overbake! These cookies should be tender, not crunchy. The golden bottoms are your cue to pull them out of the oven.
Storing and Freezing Snowball Cookies
These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead treats or gifting.
Storing:
- Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To maintain their snowy look, store them in a single layer or separate layers with parchment paper.
Freezing:
- You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Just shape and place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Baked snowball cookies also freeze well. Let them cool completely, skip the powdered sugar step, and freeze in airtight containers. Thaw and roll in sugar before serving for the freshest look.
Snowball cookies are one of those treats that somehow get better the next day, once the flavors meld together. So don’t hesitate to make a batch or two in advance!
Variations of Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies are incredibly versatile. Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can start playing around with different flavors and ingredients to make them your own. Here are some popular and delicious twists:
Nut-Free Snowball Cookies: Got allergies or just not a fan of nuts? You can absolutely enjoy snowball cookies without them. Simply leave out the nuts and add an extra tablespoon of flour to maintain the dough’s texture. For a bit of crunch, try mixing in crushed pretzels or toasted coconut flakes.
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies: Add a little indulgence with mini chocolate chips! Replace the chopped nuts with ¾ cup of mini semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the buttery cookie base and makes for a fun, kid-friendly version.
Vegan Snowball Cookies: Want to go dairy-free? No problem. Use a high-quality vegan butter substitute and ensure your powdered sugar is free of animal products. For the nuts, stick with almonds or cashews, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual. The result is just as tasty and crumbly!
Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add ¼ teaspoon separately for binding. These gluten-free snowballs hold their shape well and taste just like the traditional version.
Flavor Enhancers: You can also get creative with add-ins like:
- Orange or lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
- Cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced holiday version.
- Crushed peppermint candies for a festive flair.
- Dried cranberries or cherries chopped up into the dough.
There’s no end to the ways you can personalize these cookies while keeping that same delightful snowball experience.
Serving Suggestions
Snowball cookies are a holiday classic, but they’re also perfect for year-round enjoyment. Here’s how you can serve them up in style:
Holiday Trays and Cookie Swaps: Their powdered sugar finish makes snowball cookies a star on any holiday cookie tray. Pair them with gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or chocolate crinkles for a beautiful and varied presentation.
Afternoon Tea or Coffee Breaks: These cookies are wonderful alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Their delicate texture pairs perfectly with warm beverages. Try them with:
- A vanilla latte
- Earl Grey tea
- Hot cocoa with marshmallows
Gift Giving: Package these cookies in festive tins, mason jars, or clear treat bags tied with ribbon. Add a handwritten label or recipe card for a personal touch. Since they keep well, they’re ideal for mailing to friends and family.
Special Events and Celebrations: Snowball cookies can make an appearance beyond the holidays. Serve them at baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, or even as part of a dessert bar.
With Ice Cream: Try serving snowball cookies with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. Crumble a few cookies on top for extra texture. It’s a simple but elegant dessert you can whip up in no time.
FAQs about Snowball Cookie Recipe
What are snowball cookies?
Snowball cookies are delightful, buttery treats coated in powdered sugar that melt in your mouth. They are traditionally made with a mix of flour, butter, sugar, and nuts, and are especially popular during the holiday season.
Do I need to use nuts in snowball cookies?
Nuts are a classic ingredient in snowball cookies, providing a crunchy texture and rich flavor. However, if you have allergies or prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them or substitute with oats or crushed seeds for a similar texture.
How do I prevent my snowball cookies from crumbling?
To prevent crumbling, ensure your dough is well-chilled before you start shaping the cookies. This helps the fat in the dough stay firm, making it easier to handle. Also, be sure not to overbake the cookies; they should be just set when you take them out of the oven.
Can I make snowball cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Snowball cookies store exceptionally well. Once cooled, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to coat them with an extra layer of powdered sugar after thawing for that fresh, snowy look.
Are snowball cookies the same as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies?
Yes, snowball cookies are very similar to Russian tea cakes and Mexican wedding cookies in terms of ingredients and appearance. The main differences may lie in slight variations of nut types or additional flavorings like vanilla or almond extract.
What’s the best way to coat snowball cookies in powdered sugar?
For the best coverage, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm, and then again once they have cooled completely. This double-dusting technique ensures a thick, even coating that resembles a snow-covered treat.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies aren’t just cookies—they’re a vibe. They bring that cozy, homemade, festive feeling to every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a gift, or a personal treat with your coffee, they deliver buttery bliss every time. With just a few simple ingredients and some love, you can create a batch that’ll disappear in no time.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let the snowball fun begin!
