Go Back
Snowball Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Snowball Cookies

melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes snowball cookies truly irresistible 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 36 cookie
Course: Dessert
per serving95

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter , softened – The foundation of flavor, providing richness and that essential melt-in-your-mouth quality
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus 2-3 cups more for rolling) – Creates sweetness without grittiness, ensuring smooth texture
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor complexity
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure while maintaining the delicate , crumbly consistency
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Introduces nutty richness and textural contrast
  • Pinch of salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
  2. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature is crucial for achieving cookies that are perfectly set without becoming overly brown. Position your oven racks in the upper and lower thirds for even baking if you’re making multiple batches.
  3. Pro Tip: Let your parchment paper warm slightly in the preheating oven for 30 seconds – this prevents the dough from sticking and ensures more uniform baking.
  4. Step 2: Create the Perfect Dough Base
  5. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably paler. This creaming process is essential for incorporating air, which creates the cookies’ signature tender texture.
  6. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing until just combined. Gradually add flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, which can result in tough cookies.
  7. Step 3: Incorporate Nuts for Added Texture
  8. If using nuts, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. The nuts should be evenly distributed throughout the dough without being crushed further.
  9. Expert Insight: Toasting your nuts for 5-6 minutes at 350°F before chopping intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful aromatic quality to your finished cookies.
  10. Step 4: Shape Your Snowball Cookies
  11. Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. The cookies won’t spread much during baking, so this spacing is sufficient.
  12. For consistent sizing, use a kitchen scale to portion 1-ounce pieces of dough – this ensures even baking and professional-looking results.
  13. Step 5: Bake to Perfection
  14. Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even browning. The cookies are done when they’re set and very lightly golden brown on the bottom. The tops should remain pale – overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
  15. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before the crucial sugar-coating process.
  16. Step 6: Create the Signature Powdered Sugar Coating
  17. While the cookies are still warm (but cool enough to handle), gently roll each one in powdered sugar. The residual heat helps the first coating adhere properly. Once the cookies have cooled completely – about 20-30 minutes – roll them again in fresh powdered sugar for that thick, snow-white coating that gives these treats their iconic appearance.

Notes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most frequent error when making snowball cookies is using butter that isn't properly softened, which prevents proper creaming and results in dense, heavy cookies instead of the desired light, tender texture. Butter should yield slightly to pressure but not be melty or greasy – achieving this takes about 30-45 minutes at room temperature.
Overmixing the dough after adding flour develops gluten strands, creating tough cookies rather than the delicate, crumbly texture that defines exceptional snowball cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined, even if the dough appears slightly shaggy.
Rolling cookies in powdered sugar only once is another common oversight. The double-coating technique – once while warm, again when cool – creates that thick, professional-looking coating that doesn't easily brush off. Skipping the second coating results in thin, patchy sugar coverage that diminishes both appearance and flavor impact.
Baking at incorrect temperatures or for too long transforms these delicate treats into dry, hard cookies. Watch carefully and remove them when they're just set but still pale, as they continue cooking slightly on the hot pan after removal from the oven.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store completely cooled snowball cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to one week, layering them between parchment paper to prevent the powdered sugar coating from rubbing off. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to three months, then thaw and apply the powdered sugar coating just before serving.
The dough can be prepared up to two days in advance and refrigerated, though you'll need to let it soften slightly before shaping. For ultimate convenience, shape the dough into balls and freeze them on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. These can be baked directly from frozen, adding just 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
To maintain the pristine appearance of stored cookies, reserve a small amount of powdered sugar for touch-ups before serving, as the coating naturally settles over time. Keep cookies away from humid environments, as moisture can dissolve the sugar coating and affect the texture.

Conclusion

These irresistible snowball cookies combine simplicity with sophistication, creating tender, buttery treats that embody the essence of holiday baking. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, elegant appearance, and foolproof technique, they're destined to become your go-to recipe for any special occasion or casual indulgence throughout the year.
Ready to create your own batch of these magical treats? Try this recipe today and share your results in the comments below – we'd love to hear about your variations and serving ideas! Don't forget to subscribe to our blog for more irresistible recipes and expert baking tips delivered straight to your inbox.