Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe
Few cookies embody elegance and festive charm like the snowball cookie. These delicate, buttery rounds melt in your mouth and are perfectly coated in powdered sugar, creating a snowy appearance that delights both visually and on the palate. Crafted with precision, this recipe ensures tender, crumbly cookies that hold their shape while delivering rich, nutty flavor—a true bakery-quality treat at home.
Ingredients List
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar (for dough and coating)
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Fine sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Dough
Cream softened butter with a portion of powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine flour, chopped nuts, and salt. Gradually fold into the butter mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into uniform 1–1.5 inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them evenly to maintain shape during baking.
Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C / 350°F for 12–15 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden while the tops remain pale.
Coat and Cool
Allow cookies to cool slightly on the tray, then roll them in powdered sugar while warm. For an extra snowy effect, roll again once completely cooled.
Cook Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Baking: 12–15 minutes
Servings
- Makes approximately 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Protein: 2 g
Storage Instructions
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To maintain the powdered sugar coating, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper. They can also be frozen for up to two months.
Suggestions
Serve these cookies with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a classic pairing. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins or cellophane bags.
Seasonal Relevance
Snowball cookies are synonymous with winter holidays, festive gatherings, and seasonal celebrations, but their buttery, nutty flavor makes them enjoyable year-round.
Conclusion
The Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe delivers delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a professional finish. With simple ingredients and careful technique, these cookies achieve the perfect balance of crispness, tenderness, and sweetness—making them a timeless addition to any dessert repertoire.
Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe
24
servings20
minutes15
minutes120
kcal35
minutesDelicate, buttery snowball cookies that melt in your mouth and are perfectly coated in powdered sugar. This chef-inspired recipe creates tender, nutty cookies ideal for holidays, festive gatherings, or year-round enjoyment.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (for dough)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
¼ tsp fine sea salt
Additional powdered sugar for coating
Directions
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Cream butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, chopped nuts, and salt. Gradually fold into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1–1.5 inch balls and place on the prepared tray, spacing evenly.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while warm. Once fully cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain shape.
- Layer cookies with parchment for storage to preserve powdered sugar coating.
- Cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months; roll in powdered sugar after thawing if needed.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?
Yes, almonds or macadamia nuts work beautifully, offering different textures and flavors.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly more delicate.
Do I have to roll them in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling twice enhances the snowy appearance and ensures the coating adheres evenly, but a single roll is sufficient for everyday baking.
