Skip to content 
Oh, the holidays! There’s just something so magical about the scent of baking filling the house, isn’t there? For me, it always brings back memories of helping my grandma sift flour and sneak bites of cookie dough. And if there’s one cookie that screams ‘festive treat’ louder than any other, it’s the humble, delightful snowball cookie! Seriously, they just look like little edible snowballs, perfect for any cookie platter. This recipe is my go-to; it’s so incredibly easy and foolproof, you’ll want to make a double batch. Trust me, these classic snowball cookies are a guaranteed hit!
- Why You'll Love This Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Gather Your Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Snowball Cookies
- Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies Every Time
- Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
- Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Snowball Cookies
- Frequently Asked Questions About Snowball Cookies
- Estimated Nutritional Information
Why You’ll Love This Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe
When it comes to making a holiday cookie platter that wows everyone, you really can’t go wrong with classic snowball cookies. Here’s why this recipe is an absolute winner:
- So simple to make: Seriously, you can whip these up with just a few basic ingredients in hardly any time at all.
- Melt-in-your-mouth delicious: They’re buttery, tender, and perfectly sweet – just absolute perfection!
- Festive and pretty: That snowy coating of powdered sugar makes them look so charming and perfect for Christmas.
- Crowd-pleaser alert: Whether it’s a big family gathering or a cookie exchange, everyone goes absolutely nuts for them.
Gather Your Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these little balls of holiday joy! The beauty of these snowball cookies is that they use simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. You’ll want to start with nice, softened butter – that’s key for creaming it up nice and fluffy. We’ve got our trusty powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla for that cozy flavor, and then your flour and a pinch of salt to bring it all together. If you like a little nutty crunch, go ahead and finely chop up some pecans or walnuts. And of course, you’ll need plenty of extra powdered sugar for that signature snowy coating!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Snowball Cookies
Alright, get your aprons on, because we’re diving into the fun part! Making these snowball cookies is super straightforward, and trust me, the process is almost as delightful as eating them. We’ll go through it step-by-step, and I’ll share a few little tricks along the way that I’ve picked up over the years. The key is just to follow along, and before you know it, you’ll have a batch of perfect little snowballs ready for your holiday platter. You can find more dessert inspiration here if you need it!
Preparing the Snowball Cookie Dough
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C) and line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze, a shortcut I always appreciate! In a nice big bowl, we’re going to cream together that softened butter and half a cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Think of it like whipping up a little cloud! Then, beat in your vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, quickly whisk your flour and salt together. Now, slowly add these dry ingredients to your buttery mixture, stirring until everything is *just* combined. Don’t overmix!
Shaping and Baking Your Snowball Cookies
If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to stir them in! Get your hands in there (or use a sturdy spoon) and roll the dough into little 1-inch balls. Pop them onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between them. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want them to be just lightly golden around the edges – they shouldn’t get too brown, or they won’t look like little snowballs! As soon as they come out, let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes. They’re delicate when hot, so give them time to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial so they don’t fall apart when we do the final rolling!
The Finishing Touch: Rolling in Powdered Sugar
This is the part that really makes them snowball cookies! Once your cookies are totally cool, take a generous amount of extra powdered sugar in a bowl. Gently roll each cookie around until it’s thoroughly coated, like it’s been caught in a fresh snowfall. You want them looking white and fluffy!
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies Every Time
You know, making these snowball cookies is pretty darn easy, but there are just a few little things that make a HUGE difference in getting them perfect every single time. It’s all about those little details that elevate them from good to absolutely amazing. I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and I want to share my best tips with you so yours turn out just like you dreamed.
Ingredient Quality Matters for Snowball Cookies
Seriously, don’t skimp on the butter here! Using good quality unsalted butter really shines through in these cookies because they’re so simple. It makes them taste so rich and decadent. And for the powdered sugar, make sure it’s fresh so you don’t get any gritty bits. Those small things make all the difference!
Achieving the Perfect Snowball Cookie Shape
When you’re rolling the dough into balls, try to make them all roughly the same size. This helps them bake evenly. If the dough feels a little sticky, don’t be afraid to pop it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. It makes it SO much easier to handle and roll into perfect little spheres. You want them to look like little snowballs, right?
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
Even though these snowball cookies are pretty perfect just the way they are, sometimes we need to switch things up! If nuts aren’t your thing, or maybe you have a nut allergy in the family, just leave them out entirely. Trust me, they are still utterly delicious and just as pretty. If you want to get a little fancy or try a different flavor profile, you could swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract or even a bit of orange zest. Just remember, if you add something like zest, it can sometimes make the dough a tiny bit softer, so you might want to chill it for an extra 10-15 minutes before rolling!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Snowball Cookies
One of the best things about these snowball cookies is how well they keep! I love making a big batch (or two!) a few days before any holiday gathering. Just let them cool completely, then gently roll them in that extra powdered sugar. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay perfectly tender and delicious for about 4-5 days. Honestly, the powdery coating might smooth out a little over time, but they taste just as amazing. You can totally make these ahead – it’s such a lifesaver when you’re busy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Snowball Cookies
I get asked about these little snowballs all the time, especially around the holidays! They’re so simple, but sometimes questions pop up. Here are a few of the most common ones I hear:
Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! You can totally skip the nuts if you prefer, or if you need to make them nut-free. They’ll still be super tender and delicious, just a little less crunchy. It’s a great way to make sure everyone can enjoy them.
Why are my snowball cookies spreading too much?
Oops! Usually, if these cookies spread, it’s because the butter was too warm when you mixed it, or the oven wasn’t quite hot enough. Make sure your butter is softened but still slightly cool to the touch. Also, double-check your oven temperature!
How long do snowball cookies stay fresh?
These little beauties stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re perfect for making ahead for any holiday party or cookie exchange. You can even sneak a peek at my about page for more baking tips!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these are just estimates, okay? The exact numbers can wiggle around a bit depending on the brands you use and if you add those yummy nuts. But generally speaking, a serving of about 3 cookies will give you around 150 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. These are perfect for a little holiday treat!
PrintEasy Snowball Cookies Recipe
A simple recipe for classic snowball cookies, perfect for holiday baking and festive cookie platters.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 32 min
- Yield: 3 dozen 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should not brown too much.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll the cookies generously in additional powdered sugar until well coated.
Notes
- For a smoother cookie, you can omit the nuts.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- These cookies are a great addition to any holiday cookie exchange.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 cookies
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg