Deliciously Easy Snowball Cookies Recipes You’ll Love

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SNOWBALL COOKIES RECIPES always show up in my kitchen around the holidays, but honestly? I crave them when I’m feeling snacky any time of year. You know that moment when you want something sweet but don’t wanna tackle a ten-step recipe? Yup, that’s where these little powdered sugar wonders come in. They’re simple, fast, and kid-friendly—plus, I haven’t met a neighbor yet who didn’t love ’em. If you’re searching for comfort food that feels a bit fancy with almost zero effort, c’mon, you gotta try snowball cookies.

What Are Snowball Cookies?

Here’s the short story. Snowball cookies are those charming, round, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar so they look like, well, a bunch of snowballs dumped on your plate. Folks also call them Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, you name it. Whatever you call them, it’s just a sweet, nutty bite wrapped in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth shell.

I grew up thinking these were magic treats because they only appeared at big family get-togethers. Turns out, they’re pretty dang easy. They’re not stuffed with fancy ingredients, either; just the basics like butter, flour, nuts, and sugar. The key? A double dip in powdered sugar. The first dusting melts in a bit, then you dunk ’em again so they look extra snowy. My grandma swore by her “secret” (doubling the vanilla, ha). They’re perfect for anyone who wants cookies without the drama.

“I brought a tin of these snowball cookies to our church bake sale and they disappeared before I could even set them on the table. Folks begged me for the recipe!” — Aunt Linda, Alabama

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Alright, listen: maybe you’re not a baker. Neither am I most days, but I can whip up these babies with my eyes half-shut. Not that you should. Just saying.

First, you start by mixing soft butter with regular sugar (some people go wild and use powdered sugar right here—either works, honestly). Add vanilla and a pinch of salt for good measure. Slowly, fold in flour until it looks crumbly, not moist like cake batter. Then comes my favorite part: chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts work best in my opinion, but hey, try pistachios or almonds if you’re feeling rebellious.

Roll the dough into little balls. You don’t need perfection; they bake better if they’re a bit rustic. Bake till bottoms get lightly golden, not brown. Let them cool for a couple minutes, but not too long, or the sugar won’t stick. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Eat one, because you deserve it. Once totally cooled, roll again for that classic snowy look.

Pro-tip: If the dough feels too dry or crumbly, add a splash more butter. Too sticky? Chuck it in the fridge for ten minutes.

How to Store Snowball Cookies

One of the best parts about snowball cookies recipes is they hold up almost ridiculously well. Air-tight containers are the trick—no need for anything fancy. I just use an old cookie tin lined with parchment. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for at least a week, no joke.

Don’t mix them in with gooey cookies, though. The sugar coating will suck up moisture and get weirdly clumpy…trust me, learned that one the hard way. Some folks like to layer the cookies between parchment or wax paper if storing for a crowd. You probably don’t have to unless you want “picture perfect” cookies, which, honestly, who does at midnight in their jammies?

Can You Freeze Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely, yes! Snowball cookies freeze like tiny, edible snowballs (sorry, had to). Bake them as usual, let cool, do the first sugar roll, then pack in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. Toss in the freezer for up to three months.

When you want a snack, thaw them at room temperature. Once they’re not super cold, give them another roll in powdered sugar for good measure. They might need it after the freezer. No one’ll know they weren’t fresh outta the oven. That’s my secret for last-minute guests or crazy busy holiday weeks, really.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The funny thing is, snowball cookies recipes don’t demand perfection. Here’s what you really need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, really soft (not melted)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (a little extra won’t hurt)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sift if you want but… I never do
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios work too)
• Pinch of salt

Swaps? Use vegan butter if you must or gluten-free flour blend if wheat isn’t your friend. Almond flour? Sure, but texture gets a bit different. No nuts in the house? Use mini chocolate chips or skip ‘em. Not exactly classic, but who’s judging. Just don’t overmix—seriously, stop when things start sticking together.

Serving Suggestions

Honestly, snowball cookies recipes work for everything, but here are a few favorite ideas:

• Stack ’em high on a holiday platter with some spiced nuts and dried fruit.
• Pair with hot cocoa or strong coffee, especially on chilly evenings.
• Wrap a dozen in cellophane as an easy, homemade gift.
• Sneak one (or two) at breakfast—no judgment here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Snowball Cookies

Are snowball cookies recipes hard to make?
Not at all! If you can stir, you can make these. Messy hands are part of the fun.

Do I need a mixer?
Nope. A spoon, bowl, and your own muscle power will do. But if you have a mixer, it’s just faster.

Can I make snowball cookies ahead?
Definitely. Bake, sugar, and store. Or freeze, then sugar again when you need them.

What nuts should I use?
Pecans are classic. Walnuts are cheaper. Any soft nut works, really.

Is chilling the dough a must?
Not always. If dough’s too sticky, pop it in the fridge, but most of the time you can skip this.

Give These Sweet Little Snowballs a Whirl

Snowball cookies recipes are hands-down my go-to for low-stress baking. No need for special tools or a spotless kitchen. All you need is a chunk of butter, a short list of ingredients, and a fifteen-minute window before guests arrive—or before midnight cravings strike. Honestly, if you’ve never had these, check out the Best Snowball Cookies Recipe or see how they bake up over at Perfect Snowball Cookies – i am baker for more ideas. Let’s keep sharing treats that make people smile. I hope you give these a shot—then tell me if you find an even better way, I’m always ready for another batch.