Name: Best Snowball Cookies - The Ultimate Holiday Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Discover the best snowball cookies recipe with this easy homemade guide. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holidays and special occasions. Get the complete recipe with pro tips and variations.

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Introduction

When the holiday season arrives, nothing beats the classic charm of best snowball cookies. These delightful treats, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, have been gracing holiday tables for generations. What makes these cookies truly special is their incredibly tender, buttery texture that literally melts in your mouth, combined with their festive powdered sugar coating that resembles fresh snowballs.

The best snowball cookies are surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or simply want to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of homemade cookies, this recipe delivers every time. These cookies are perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, making them an ideal choice for family baking sessions.

Ingredients List

Essential Ingredients for Best Snowball Cookies

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Sifted for best texture
Butter (unsalted)	1 cup	Room temperature
Powdered sugar	1/2 cup + 2 cups	Divided for dough and coating
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Pure vanilla recommended
Salt	1/4 teaspoon	Enhances flavor
Chopped pecans	1 cup	Finely chopped, optional
Almond extract	1/2 teaspoon	Optional, for extra flavor

The key to creating the best snowball cookies lies in using quality ingredients. Room temperature butter ensures proper creaming, while sifted flour creates the tender, crumbly texture that makes these cookies so special.

Nutrition Facts

Per Cookie (Makes approximately 36 cookies):

Calories: 95
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 14mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g

These best snowball cookies provide a moderate calorie count while delivering satisfying flavor. The butter content contributes to the rich taste and tender texture, while the nuts add protein and healthy fats.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your best snowball cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This creaming process is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your best snowball cookies.

Step 3: Add Extracts

Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until well combined. The extracts add depth of flavor that elevates these cookies from good to the best snowball cookies you’ve ever tasted.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.

Step 5: Add Nuts

Fold in the finely chopped pecans using a wooden spoon or spatula. The nuts should be evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every bite of your best snowball cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. The dough should hold together well but remain tender.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale. Don’t overbake, as this will make your best snowball cookies dry rather than tender.

Step 8: First Sugar Coating

Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then roll them in the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar while still warm. This first coating helps the sugar adhere properly.

Step 9: Final Coating

Once cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for that perfect snowy appearance that gives best snowball cookies their signature look.

Serving Suggestions

The best snowball cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for various occasions. Serve them on elegant platters for holiday parties, arrange them in decorative tins for gift-giving, or simply enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace. These cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or milk, making them an ideal afternoon treat.

For special presentations, consider arranging your best snowball cookies on tiered serving stands or in festive cookie boxes. They also make wonderful additions to cookie exchange parties, as their classic appeal and delicious taste always impress. The powdered sugar coating makes them look especially elegant when displayed on dark-colored plates or serving dishes.

Pro Tips

Creating the best snowball cookies requires attention to a few key details. First, ensure your butter is at proper room temperature – it should give slightly when pressed but not be melted. This temperature allows for proper creaming and contributes to the cookies’ tender texture.

When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents overpacking and ensures your best snowball cookies have the right texture. Additionally, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can make handling easier, especially in warm weather.

For the most even coating, use a fine-mesh sieve to dust powdered sugar over the cookies rather than rolling them. This technique creates a more uniform appearance and prevents the sugar from clumping.

Variations

Transform your best snowball cookies recipe with these delicious variations. For chocolate lovers, substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder to create chocolate snowball cookies. The result is rich, fudgy cookies with the same tender texture.

Create almond snowball cookies by replacing pecans with finely chopped almonds and increasing the almond extract to 1 teaspoon. For a tropical twist, use macadamia nuts and add a hint of coconut extract.

For gluten-free best snowball cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. You can also make these cookies dairy-free by using vegan butter alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do the best snowball cookies stay fresh? A: Store your best snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough for best snowball cookies up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Q: Why are my cookies falling apart? A: If your best snowball cookies are crumbly, the butter may have been too cold or the dough overmixed. Ensure proper butter temperature and gentle mixing for best results.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? A: While unsalted butter is preferred for best snowball cookies, you can use salted butter and reduce the added salt to 1/8 teaspoon.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover cookies? A: Keep your best snowball cookies in a single layer in airtight containers, separated by parchment paper to prevent the powdered sugar from rubbing off.

Conclusion

These best snowball cookies represent the perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. With their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appearance, they’re sure to become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. The recipe’s straightforward approach makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels, while the professional tips ensure consistently excellent results.

Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these best snowball cookies will create lasting memories around your table. The joy of baking these treats extends beyond the final product – it’s about the anticipation as they bake, the satisfaction of rolling them in powdered sugar, and the smiles they bring to those who taste them.

Ready to start your own best snowball cookies tradition? Gather your ingredients and begin baking today. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative variations you discover. For more incredible homemade recipes that bring families together, explore our extensive collection of tried-and-true favorites that have been perfected over years of testing and refinement.