Snowball Cookies Recipe

I’m so excited to share this cozy, melt-in-your-mouth Snowball Cookies Recipe with you today! These little treats bring the perfect mix of buttery richness and a delicate powdery finish that’s just irresistible. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a comforting snack, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and surprisingly simple to pull off. Stick with me — I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these classic cookies turn out perfect every single time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Snowball Cookies Recipe plays a key role to deliver those tender, buttery bites that practically vanish on your tongue. Keep an eye out for quality butter and fresh nuts — they’ll make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

• Flour: I love using classic white all-purpose, but spelt or whole wheat pastry flour add a nice rustic touch; Bob’s gluten-free blend works well too if you need GF options.
• Chopped nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans all work — I stick to walnuts for their warmth and softness, just finely chopped so they blend seamlessly.
• Butter or Coconut Oil: Butter gives that richest flavor, but coconut oil is a lovely dairy-free swap with a subtle twist.
• Powdered Sugar: Both inside the dough and on top — make sure to grab superfine powdered sugar for the smoothest coating.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Snowball Cookies Recipe is how open it is for your own spin — I’ve tried lots of variations that bring out different vibes. Don’t hesitate to make it your own, and remember: baking should be fun!

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg: I once tossed in a little cinnamon, and it added the perfect cozy, warm undertone that’s fantastic for fall.
• Nut-free option: If you’re not a nuts fan or have allergies, just omit them — I’ve made them without nuts and still loved the crumbly texture, though the flavor changes slightly.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter: It’s a great dairy-free tweak and gives a hint of tropical flavor that’s surprisingly nice.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (about 165°C). While it warms up, let your butter soften at room temperature for an easy, creamy mix. Chop your nuts finely — this helps them fold into the dough without making each bite overly crunchy. It’s those small details that make this Snowball Cookies Recipe stand out!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl or stand mixer, beat your softened butter with powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is key because it dissolves the sugar and creates that tender cookie texture we’re after. If you skip this, your cookies might end up denser than you want.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

Whisk together your flour and chopped nuts. Keeping these two aside lets you evenly distribute the nuts and avoid overmixing when you add them to the butter-sugar base.

Step 4: Combine and Form Dough

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix here — just combine enough so everything sticks together. Then, use your hands to roll dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on an ungreased baking sheet. This is when your cookies start coming to life.

Step 5: Bake and Coat in Powdered Sugar

Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, just until the bottoms turn a gentle golden brown. Remove from the oven and while still warm (but not hot!), roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar. I always keep an extra bowl ready — this step creates that iconic snowy, sweet finish that makes these cookies so addictive. Let them cool on a wire rack before indulging.

How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with just powdered sugar, but sometimes I dust a tiny sprinkle of cocoa powder mixed in with the sugar for a subtle chocolate twist. For a festive touch, you can even add a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter or finely chopped pistachios for color and crunch — they look so pretty on a holiday platter!

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a cup of strong coffee, a creamy latte, or a mug of hot cocoa — especially with marshmallows on top! They also pair beautifully with spiced teas or even a glass of cold milk, bringing out the buttery richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love stacking these snowball cookies in a clear glass jar layered with ribbon or arranging them in little nests of festive paper cups. Another fun idea: sprinkle mini chocolate chips or colored sugar into the powdered sugar coating for some sparkle and texture that really impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and tender. If you live somewhere humid, adding a paper towel inside the container helps absorb extra moisture — trust me, it’s a game changer!

Freezing

I’ve frozen these cookies several times without losing that buttery texture. Just pop the baked and cooled cookies into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment sheets between layers. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and thaw quickly on the counter.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-baked feel after storing or freezing, warm the cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives the buttery softness and gives a little freshness that makes you think they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Snowball Cookies Recipe has been a go-to in my kitchen for years, especially when I want something that feels classic but always nails that delicate, buttery bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do — they’re perfect for gifting, holiday celebrations, or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll feel like you’ve got a little piece of cozy winter magic no matter the season!

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