Snowball Cookies Recipe
Buttery, nutty, and dusted in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar, snowball cookies are a holiday dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Their delicate texture and irresistible flavor make them a cherished classic—easy to make, yet undeniably elegant for any festive table.
Main Ingredients That Make These Snowball Cookies Shine
- Butter or coconut oil – The rich, melt-in-your-mouth base that creates the tender crumb snowballs are known for.
- Powdered sugar – Adds just the right touch of sweetness and a silky texture in both the dough and the final snowy coating.
- Flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s GF blend) – Provides structure while staying light and tender thanks to the generous fat content.
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans) – Lend crunch and subtle, toasty flavor that cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
- Extra powdered sugar or cocoa powder (for rolling) – The finishing touch that gives these cookies their signature look and melt-away sweetness.
How to Make These Classic Snowball Cookies
Start by creaming together your butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy—this is the secret to that soft, dreamy bite.
Mix your flour and finely chopped nuts in a separate bowl, then gently blend everything into a uniform dough. Scoop and roll into small balls, then place on a baking sheet.
Bake until just lightly golden on the bottom. While still warm, roll each cookie in extra powdered sugar so it sticks perfectly. Cool completely on a wire rack before devouring.
Tips & Sweet Twists for Your Snowball Cookies
To get perfectly tender snowball cookies, make sure your butter (or coconut oil) is softened but not melted. If your dough feels too dry, don’t panic—it should be a little crumbly but still hold shape when rolled.
For a fun twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough, or swap the nuts for finely chopped pistachios for a colorful surprise. Cocoa powder rolled snowballs make a rich, chocolatey variation that’s just as festive.
These cookies are also naturally egg-free, and with the right flour blend, gluten-free too—ideal for holiday gatherings with various dietary needs.
Keeping the Magic: How to Store Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies store wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for gifting or make-ahead treats.
They also freeze well—just wait to roll them in powdered sugar until after thawing to maintain that beautiful snow-kissed look. To re-coat, simply roll again before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven appearance.
Snowball Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans almonds, or walnuts
- 2 cups flour white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gluten-free blend
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar or sugar-free alternative
- Optional: extra powdered sugar or cocoa powder for rolling
- 1 cup butter or coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the finely chopped nuts. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the creamed butter, stirring until a cohesive dough forms. Shape the dough into small, even-sized balls and arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cookies take on a light golden hue. While still warm, roll each cookie gently in a prepared bowl of powdered sugar to coat. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
