These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Snowball Cookies are made with butter, vanilla, and pecans, then rolled in powdered sugar for the perfect holiday dessert!
Do you have a recipe that instantly takes you back to childhood? For me, it’s these Snowball Cookies.
Every winter, my grandma would whip up a batch, and they never lasted long. I remember sitting by the kitchen table, watching her roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar—her hands dusted white like she’d been caught in a mini snowstorm. I’d sneak one (okay, three) while they were still warm, leaving a trail of sugar behind me like some kind of cookie thief.
Now, whenever I bake these during the holidays, it’s like she’s right there with me. The scent of butter and vanilla fills the kitchen, and suddenly, it feels cozy. And honestly? These cookies are ridiculously easy to make, so they’ve become my go-to for holiday baking—whether I’m bringing them to a cookie swap or just snacking on them with a mug of cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This SnowBall Cookies Recipe?
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection: That soft, buttery center? Unreal.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples—no weird or fancy stuff here.
- Pretty as a Picture: They look like little snowballs! Perfect for winter.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes.
- Perfect for Gifting: They keep well and are practically made for holiday cookie tins.
Ingredient Notes:
These cookies are proof that sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the best desserts.
- Butter: Go for unsalted—it’s the key to that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Basic and reliable, it gives the cookies structure while keeping them tender.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the dough and makes the cookies look like they’ve been dusted with fresh snow.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and balance to the sweetness.
- Chopped Pecans (Optional): They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, but feel free to skip if nuts aren’t your thing.
Pro Tip: If you do use pecans, try toasting them lightly before mixing them into the dough. It adds a whole extra layer of flavor that’s worth the extra minute or two.
How To Make SnowBall Cookies?
These cookies are so simple, you might wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup (trust me, it’s worth it).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and the chopped pecans (if using). This step is so simple, it’s basically foolproof.
Step 3: Cream the Butter
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and give it another quick mix.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter, stirring gently. The dough will look crumbly at first—don’t panic! It’ll come together as you keep mixing.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on your lined baking sheet. No need to flatten them—they’ll stay cute and round, just like snowballs should be.
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Step 6: Bake
Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will stay pale—don’t overbake or they’ll lose that perfect soft texture!
Step 7: Powdered Sugar Magic
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes (they’re delicate when hot). Then, roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. This helps the sugar stick beautifully.
Want them extra snowy? Roll them a second time once they’ve fully cooled.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Make Ahead: Prep the dough in advance and freeze the unbaked cookie balls. Just bake from frozen—no need to thaw!
Variations and Substitutions:
Snowball Cookies are already perfect, but hey—why not mix things up?
- Nut-Free: Skip the pecans entirely—they’re just as good.
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Almond Snowballs: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract and use chopped almonds instead.
- Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy twist.
- Festive Flair: Roll them in colored sugar or edible glitter for a holiday vibe!
What to Serve with SnowBall Cookies?
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with:
- Hot Cocoa: Because chocolate and cookies? Yes, please.
- Coffee: The bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Mulled Wine: A cozy winter pairing you didn’t know you needed.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Yep, try crumbling them over a scoop of vanilla. Mind-blowing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these without nuts?
Absolutely! They’re just as delicious without pecans.
Why are my cookies crumbling too much?
If the dough feels too crumbly, try adding 1 tablespoon of softened butter—it helps hold everything together.
Can I double the batch?
Totally! These are perfect for holiday gifting, so go ahead and make a double batch.
There’s something so magical about these Snowball Cookies—they’re simple, sweet, and full of winter nostalgia. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party, gifting them to friends, or just craving something buttery and sweet, they never disappoint.
So what do you think? Ready to give them a try? If you do, I’d love to hear how they turn out! Share your cookie pics, tag me on social media, and let’s celebrate these little bites of winter magic together.
Happy baking, my friend!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
SnowBall Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped pecans optional
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup confectioner’s sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ cup of confectioners sugar.
- Next, add in 2 cups of chopped pecans to the mixture of flour and sugar.
- Take another bowl. Beat 1 cup of butter until it becomes fluffy. Then mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Slowly blend the mixture of flour, sugar and pecans into the butter until it forms a dough.
- Shape the dough into balls, around 1 inch in size. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the balls for 16 to 18 minutes. Until they turn golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Roll each cooled cookie in sugar until they are fully coated creating an appearance.
- If desired you can also do a second roll. Sprinkle colored sugar, for an extra special touch.
- Enjoy these SnowBall Cookies that simply melt in your mouth!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
These are a delight soft tender cookie and they came out beautiful. My mother would make these every Christmas 🎁 and I’d get my very own tin. Thank you and Merry Christmas too you 🎄