Whether you call them Snowball Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Butterballs, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are a holiday classic and year-round favorite. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in a flurry of powdered sugar, making them look just like little snowballs!
They’re fun to bake with kids, perfect for cookie swaps or gifting, and totally freezer-friendly. Bonus: no eggs required, so they’re an easy treat to whip up for anyone with egg allergies!
What You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts are classic)
Pro Tips for Perfect Snowballs
❄️ Use room-temp butter for the creamiest texture.
🔁 Double roll in sugar – once warm and once cooled – for the best “snowy” look.
🥜 Toast the nuts first for deeper flavor (optional, but amazing).
👩🍳 Let the kids roll the cookies – it’s like making edible snowballs!
📦 Freeze baked cookies or dough balls for make-ahead magic.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Small cookie scoop or spoon
- Cooling rack
- Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for sugar dusting)
Substitutions & Variations
🌰 Try different nuts – almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios work beautifully
🍫 Add mini chocolate chips for a fun twist
🌿 Use almond or coconut extract instead of vanilla for flavor variation
🌾 Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
Make-Ahead Tips
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months – bake straight from frozen
- Baked cookies can be frozen too – re-roll in sugar after thawing
- Store finished cookies at room temp for up to 5 days
How to Make Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients & Nuts
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Stir in chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Scoop & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden (tops will stay pale).
Step 4: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Once fully cooled, roll again for that thick, snowy coating.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 4–5 days
- Re-roll in powdered sugar before serving if needed
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months
Final Thoughts
Snowball Cookies are the definition of sweet simplicity—buttery, nutty, and beautifully dusted with sugar like the first snowfall. They’re the perfect holiday classic but honestly deserve a place in your kitchen all year long. ❄️💛
💬 Did you make these with pecans or try a twist? Let me know in the comments if they were part of a holiday tray, a family baking day, or just a cozy treat for yourself! 🍪✨
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