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Your family will go crazy over this Snowball Cookies. Each bite is buttery and delicious with lots of powdered sugar on top. They are so good and we look for any excuse to make snowball cookies.

Snowball cookies topped with powdered sugar on a wire rack
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I’m so excited to share with you this delicious snowball cookies recipe. It is one of the recipes in our  Christmas cookie recipes series but this cookie is perfect year round. They are seriously the best. My kids can’t get enough of them and I love them just as much.

Even better, you probably already have what you need to make these heavenly cookies. You only need a few ingredients and they are really pantry staples. Make sure to all check out Avalanche Cookies, Coffee Cake Cookies and Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies for even more delicious cookie recipes.

Why We Love This Recipe

The best part about these buttery snowball cookies are the easy ingredients. If you enjoy this delicious and easy cookie recipe, I hope you try these easy butter cookies recipe or no bake cookies recipe as well.  They are easy to make and perfect for any occasion!

This Snowball Cookies are the perfect recipe to start your holiday baking. This classic cookie is so delicious, full of flavor and melt-in your mouth texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients - butter, powdered sugar, salt, almonds, vanilla flour
  • Butter – We used unsalted butter which forms the base of these cookies
  • Powdered Sugar– We add a little in the dough and for coating the cookies
  • Salt – A little salt helps to balance out the sweetness
  • Almonds or Pecans – This is an optional ingredient but love the extra crunch it gives the cookies. You can also use chopped pistachios.
  • Vanilla – Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor
  • Flour – This helps with the structure of the cookie

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations and Subsitution Ideas

  • Chopped Nuts – You can use whichever you prefer in the cookie. They are both delicious but we prefer chopped pecans. You can also substitute with peanut butter for a delicious variation.
  • Addition – For even more flavor, try mixing in mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or crushed peppermint candy for the perfect Christmas cookie.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

  • Step 1 – Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Crushed nuts in a food processor with two sticks of butter on the side, bowl of flour and vanilla

Step 2 – Chop nuts in food processor to finely chop.

Butter mixed with crushed nuts in a bowl

Step 3 – Cream butter, salt and ½ cup confectioners’ sugar together until fluffy in a mixing bowl. Add in nuts and 3 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until blended. Slowly add in flour, mixing well in the butter mixture.

Dough balls on a baking sheet

Step 4 – Shape into 1/2-3/4″ balls. (We use cookie scoops to make this quick and easy.) Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Baked dough balls on a baking sheet

Step 5 – Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden brown on the bottom. Allow to cool before removing from cookie sheet. You can use wire racks to cool after a few minutes.

Powdered sugar in a zip lock bag

Step 6 – Fill a zippered bag with remaining powdered sugar.

Snowball cookies on a wire rack

Step 7 – Gently shake each cookie in bag so it is well coated. Place on wire rack.

Recipe Tips

  • Ice Cream Scoop – If you are still scooping cookies with two spoons, you really need to get yourself some stainless steel scoops. I have had mine for several years and I use them for all types of baking. It also helps to keep the cookie dough balls about the same size to bake evenly.
  • Prepare Baking Sheet – Try using a baking sheet with parchment paper to help with cleanup. This is a time saver!
  • Coating Cookies – I like to coat with cookies with powdered sugar while still warm. It helps the powdered sugar adhere to the cookies better.
  • Chopping Nuts – If you don’t yet, make sure you have a food processor to finely chop of the nuts in this Snowball cookie recipe. Amazon has several on sale right now. It is optional but sure makes baking easier. You can also place in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • Buying Nuts – Almonds and pecans can be quite pricey, so my money saving tip is to buy it in Bulk. We actually buy our Almonds at Sam’s because they are so much cheaper and I keep them in the refrigerator so they last longer.
  • Combining Ingredients – Combine the ingredients with a stand mixer with paddle attachment or electric mixer on medium speed until everything is mixed together.
Snowball cookies on a wire rack

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Snowball Cookies?

Our family absolutely loves these snowball cookies. You might also hear people call the cookies Russian tea cakes Mexican wedding cookies. Whatever you call them, they are melt in your mouth cookies and taste amazing.

How to Store Snowball Cookies

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week if stored properly. To prevent the cookies from sticking, we like to place parchment paper in between the layers.

Can I Freeze Snowball Cookies?

If you prefer to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the cookie dough. Prepare the dough as indicated and then roll into balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours. Then place in a freezer safe bag for up to 2 months. This will allow you take out and thaw in the fridge that you are ready to bake.

Snowball cookies stacked on a plate

If you make these Snowball Cookies, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.

Snowball Cookies

5 from 9 votes
Looking for easy Christmas cookie exchange recipes? This easy snowball Cookies recipe are perfect year round but especially around the holidays.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 24
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 179

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Chop nuts in food processor to finely chop.
  • Cream butter, salt and ½ cup powdered sugar together until fluffy.
  • Add in nuts and vanilla and beat until blended.
  • Alowly add in flour, mixing well.
  • Shape into 1/2-3/4″ balls.
  • Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.
  • Allow to cool before removing from cookie sheet.
  • Fill a zippered bag with remaining powdered sugar.
  • Gently shake each cookie in bag so it is well coated.

Recipe Notes

You likely already have all the ingredients for these cookies on hand! Enjoy! They are delicious!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 179kcal, Carbohydrates 16g, Protein 1g, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 20mg, Sodium 116mg, Potassium 38mg, Sugar 7g, Vitamin A 240IU, Vitamin C 0.1mg, Calcium 8mg, Iron 0.6mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 9 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    You are so sweet! I love that story. Thank you for sharing your story.

  2. Judy says:

    These cookies go by many names. I call them Betty’s cookies. When I was a hospice social worker, I visited a sweet lady named Betty who was baking these in her little apartment her last Christmas. Betty LOVED Christmas!!!! So I bake these every Christmas and share with someone. Sometimes a local hospice care center in honor of Betty

  3. Carrie Barnard says:

    Yes, walnuts would be delicious in this recipe.

  4. Carrie Barnard says:

    I use all purpose flour for this recipe.

  5. Carrie Barnard says:

    I use all purpose flour for this recipe.

  6. Mary says:

    Can you use walnuts?

  7. Antoinette Haraldson says:

    5 stars
    I have made these for years my only problem is they fall apart when rolling them in the powdered sugar? Am I not baking them long enough?

  8. VIRGINIA YORK says:

    What kind of flour? Self-rising or all purpose?

  9. Virginia York says:

    What kind of flour is used in this recipe? Sounds delicious!!

  10. Linda Gouge says:

    Is this self rising or all purpose flour?

  11. Cathy Frederick says:

    4 stars
    Our family has made these cookies for years. The only difference is we do not add pecans but walnuts. Gives the cookie such a better taste. I have not ever seen this recipe calling for walnuts but give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.

  12. Ellen says:

    5 stars
    Winner, winner. Melt in your mouth. Made mine with GF flour and still were so light and fluffy. Delicious