Snowball cookies are soft, round, and full of flavor. They are sweet, buttery, and covered in powdered sugar. They melt in your mouth and leave a little mess. That’s the fun part.
These cookies are also called Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies. No matter the name, the recipe is the same. You mix a few basic things, bake them, then roll them in sugar.
They look pretty. They taste great. And they are easy to make at home.
Let’s get into it.
What Are Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies are small, round cookies. They do not have frosting or filling. Instead, they are rolled in powdered sugar while still warm.
They are made with butter, flour, sugar, and nuts. Some people add vanilla for more flavor.
The cookies stay round while baking. They don’t spread much. The inside is soft and crumbly. The outside is sweet and snowy.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is a short list of what you need:
- 1 cup butter (soft, not melted)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- More powdered sugar for rolling
You don’t need fancy items. These are things most people already have at home.
Use real butter. The flavor and texture depend on it.
If you don’t want nuts, leave them out. The cookies will still turn out soft and tasty.
How to Make Snowball Cookies
Follow these easy steps.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Turn your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In a big bowl, beat the soft butter and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes using a hand mixer.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Pour in the vanilla and mix for a few seconds.
Step 4: Add Flour and Salt
Add the flour and salt. Mix on low. The dough will look dry. Keep mixing. It will come together after a minute or two.
Step 5: Stir in Nuts
Add your chopped nuts. Stir with a spoon or your hands. Make sure they are spread evenly.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Take about 1 tablespoon of dough. Roll it into a ball using your hands. Place it on the baking sheet. Leave some space between each ball.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. The tops should stay pale. The bottoms should turn light brown.
Step 8: Roll in Sugar
Let the cookies sit for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Set them aside to cool fully.
When they are cool, roll them in sugar again. This gives them a thick, snowy look.
Tips to Make Them Right
These cookies are simple, but a few tips can help:
- Soften butter fully before you start
- Don’t overbake or they get dry
- Roll them while warm, not hot or cold
- Use finely chopped nuts so the dough holds its shape
If your dough feels too dry, mix a little more. If it’s still crumbly, you can add 1 teaspoon of milk. Only add a little at a time.
Read: Snowball Bush: Easy Planting and Care Tips for Any Garden
How to Store Snowball Cookies
These cookies stay fresh for a week. Keep them in a sealed container at room temperature.
Want to freeze them? You can do that two ways:
- Freeze the dough: Roll it into balls and freeze. When ready, bake right from frozen. Add 2 more minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze the baked cookies: Wrap them tightly. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temp. Roll again in sugar if needed.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
Dough is too dry:
Keep mixing. If needed, add a bit of milk.
Cookies are flat:
Your butter was too soft or you used too much. Try chilling the dough next time.
Powdered sugar melts off:
You rolled them when too hot or too cold. Wait 5 minutes after baking for the perfect time.
Nuts fall out of dough:
Chop them smaller. Big chunks break the dough apart.
Fun Variations
Want to change things up? Try these ideas:
Use different nuts:
Almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios work well.
Add chocolate chips:
Mix in ½ cup of mini chips.
Make chocolate snowballs:
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa to the flour.
Try new flavors:
Use almond or maple extract instead of vanilla. Or add orange or lemon zest.
Make them nut-free:
Skip the nuts. The cookies still bake fine and taste great.
When to Make Snowball Cookies
You can make them any time, but people love them during:
- Christmas
- Winter parties
- Weddings
- Baby showers
- Cookie swaps
- Gift boxes
They look fancy but are easy to pack and send. They also don’t break easily, so they travel well.
Why Everyone Loves These Cookies
Snowball cookies are simple but rich. They don’t need frosting or filling. The sugar on the outside gives them all the sweetness they need.
You only need one bowl and one pan. No chilling. No resting. Just mix, roll, bake, and sugar.
They look cute. They taste even better. And they work every time.
Final Thoughts
Snowball cookies are easy to make. You don’t need special skills or tools. The recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Use good butter. Don’t rush the mixing. Roll in sugar at the right time. That’s it.
Make a batch today. Or save the recipe for the next time you want something sweet, warm, and cozy.
FAQs
Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?
Yes. Just skip the nuts. The cookies will still bake well.
Why did my cookies flatten?
The butter may have been too soft or you used too much. Chill the dough if this happens.
Do I have to roll them in sugar twice?
Yes. The first time sticks to the warm cookie. The second time makes them look finished.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. But leave out the added salt in the recipe.
How do I freeze the dough?
Shape into balls. Freeze on a tray. Store in a bag. Bake straight from frozen.
Can kids help make these?
Yes. Rolling the dough and coating in sugar is easy and fun for kids.
