Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies prove that some of the best holiday treats come in the smallest packages.

Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these melt-in-your-mouth bites are made with simple pantry staples like butter, flour, and finely chopped nuts.

The dough is rolled into soft little balls, baked until tender, and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar for that signature snow-covered look.

The result is a rich, buttery cookie that’s irresistibly delicate and perfect for any holiday cookie tray—though resisting a second (or third) bite might be the real challenge.

What Makes This Recipe So Great

These cookies are buttery, nutty, and melt in your mouth.

The double coating of powdered sugar gives them a sweet, snowy look.

The recipe is easy to remember and hard to mess up. You get a delicate, festive cookie that is always a crowd favorite.

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Use real, salted butter for the best flavor. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature so it creams properly.

• Nuts: Finely chopped pecans or walnuts work best. You can toast the nuts first for a deeper, richer flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: You will need powdered sugar for both the dough and the coating. Do not use granulated sugar for the coating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You only need one bowl for mixing.

• The dough is easy to handle and shape.

• The cookies stay fresh for over a week.

How To Make Snowball Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup additional powdered sugar for coating

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Beat the softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
3. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and creamy.
4. Add the flour and finely chopped pecans to the bowl.
5. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms.
6. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
7. Place the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
8. Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes.
9. The bottoms will be lightly golden, but the tops should not brown.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
11. Place the 1 cup of powdered sugar for coating in a shallow bowl.
12. Roll the warm cookies in the powdered sugar.
13. Place the sugared cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in the powdered sugar a second time.

Cook and Prep Times

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Additional Time: 30 minutes (cooling)
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

Servings: 36 cookies

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 11g

Helpful Tips

• The cookies are very soft when they first come out of the oven. Handle them gently.

• Do not overbake the cookies. They are done when the bottoms are just lightly tan.

• The second roll in powdered sugar is essential for the classic snowy look.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

1. For the most tender cookie, mix the dough just until the flour is incorporated.

2. Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your dough balls are the same size for even baking.

3. For a nut-free version, substitute the pecans with an equal amount of rolled oats.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They are a perfect addition to any holiday cookie box or party platter.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

These cookies are not suitable for reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cookies flat?

Your butter was likely too soft or warm. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch for the right texture.

Can I freeze the dough?

You can freeze the shaped dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake them directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

My cookies are crumbly. What happened?

You may have added too much flour. Measure your flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off with a knife.

Final Thoughts

This snowball cookie recipe is a timeless and reliable classic. The process is simple and the results are consistently delicious.

The final product is a delicate, powdery cookie that is impossible to resist. You will love their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

These cookies are perfect for holiday gifting or a simple sweet treat. This is a recipe you will return to for years.