Snowball Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are buttery, nutty, and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance make them perfect for holidays, tea time, or any occasion that calls for a classic sweet treat.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted butterpowdered sugarvanilla extractchopped nuts (typically pecans or walnuts)salt

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined.

Fold in the chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough.

Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat completely.

Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a second coating.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 12-15 minutesCooling and coating time: 20 minutesTotal time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Use almonds or hazelnuts instead of pecans or walnuts for a flavor twist.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a hint of spice.

Include mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey version.

Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a different aroma.

Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

storage/reheating

Store Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.They can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 2 months.To refresh them, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.

FAQs

Why are they called Snowball Cookies?

They’re called Snowball Cookies due to their round shape and the snowy appearance from the powdered sugar coating.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.

Why did my cookies flatten?

Too much butter or not enough flour can cause spreading. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately.

Do I have to use nuts?

Nuts are traditional but optional. You can omit them or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for an alternative crunch.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. The recipe scales well for large batches, perfect for parties or gifting.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not usually, but chilling can help if your kitchen is very warm or the dough feels too soft.

Are they very sweet?

They’re mildly sweet inside with a rich buttery taste, and the powdered sugar adds sweetness on the outside.

Conclusion

Snowball Cookies are a timeless favorite that bring joy with every bite. Their tender, nutty center and sweet powdered exterior make them a perfect treat for any celebration or cozy afternoon. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your dessert lineup.

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