Introduction

Have you been searching for a cookie that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to make? This snowball cookie recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth perfection with just a handful of ingredients. These buttery, powdered sugar-coated treats require no fancy equipment or advanced baking skills. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, you’ll have a batch of these delightful cookies ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the easiest cookie recipe you’ll ever master.

Ingredients for snowball cookie recipe

This snowball cookie recipe keeps things wonderfully simple. Gather these pantry staples before you begin:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, plus 1 cup (120g) for coating
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract

Mix-ins:

• 1 cup (120g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Substitution Options:

• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile
• Replace nuts with mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly version
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour
• Try coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative (expect slightly different texture)

These ingredients combine to create perfectly tender, crumbly cookies that practically dissolve on your tongue.

How Long Does snowball cookie recipe Take?

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

This snowball cookies easy recipe is remarkably efficient. You’ll spend just 15 minutes mixing and shaping, while the oven does the rest. Unlike complicated decorated cookies requiring hours of active work, this recipe offers maximum reward with minimal effort. The beauty lies in the passive baking time—you can clean your workspace while the cookies transform into golden perfection.

How to Make snowball cookie recipe

Follow these straightforward steps for guaranteed success with your snowball cookie recipe.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure your butter has softened to room temperature—it should indent easily when pressed but not be greasy. Properly softened butter is the secret to achieving the ideal cookie texture that makes this snowball cookies easy recipe truly foolproof.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. This creaming process incorporates air, creating the delicate, tender crumb that defines a perfect snowball cookie recipe. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming makes all the difference.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies rather than the tender texture you want. Fold in your chopped nuts using a spatula, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch (2.5cm) balls using about 1 tablespoon of dough each. Place them 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. This snowball cookies easy shaping technique requires no cookie cutters or special tools—just your hands. The uniform size ensures even baking, so each cookie achieves that signature golden bottom.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-14 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. The cookies will seem soft when you remove them—this is normal. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Patience here prevents crumbling and ensures structural integrity.

Step 6: Double Coat with Powdered Sugar

While cookies are still warm (but cool enough to handle), roll them in powdered sugar for the first coating. Once completely cooled, roll them again in fresh powdered sugar for that signature snowy appearance. This double-coating technique ensures your snowball cookie recipe achieves the thick, beautiful white exterior that gives these cookies their name.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving. This final cooling period lets the texture set properly, transforming from fragile to perfectly tender. Your snowball cookies easy masterpiece is now ready to impress.

Nutritional Breakdown

Per cookie (recipe makes approximately 36 cookies):

• Calories: 95
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 4g

These cookies provide beneficial vitamin E from the nuts and a small amount of iron from the flour. While they’re certainly a treat, the portion-controlled size makes it easy to enjoy one or two without overindulging. The nuts add heart-healthy fats and a satisfying protein boost.

Healthier Alternatives for snowball cookie recipe

Transform this snowball cookie recipe to suit various dietary needs:

Reduce Calories: Use half butter and half unsweetened applesauce (saves approximately 30 calories per cookie). The texture becomes slightly cakier but remains delicious.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The result is nearly indistinguishable from the traditional version.

Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the dough to ⅓ cup and use a sugar-free powdered sweetener for coating. This cuts approximately 15 calories per cookie.

Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with plant-based butter and ensure your powdered sugar is bone char-free. The flavor remains rich and satisfying while accommodating plant-based diets.

Each modification maintains the essential character of this snowball cookies easy recipe while addressing specific health or dietary concerns.

How to Serve snowball cookie recipe

Present your snowball cookie recipe creations with these serving suggestions:

Arrange them on a festive platter dusted with additional powdered sugar for an elegant winter wonderland effect. Pair these cookies with hot chocolate, spiced chai tea, or strong coffee—the beverage’s warmth complements the cookies’ buttery richness beautifully. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, wedding receptions, or afternoon tea parties. Serve them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. For an elevated presentation, place them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper, creating thoughtful homemade gifts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sidestep these pitfalls when making your snowball cookie recipe:

Using Cold Butter: This prevents proper creaming and creates dense, hard cookies. Always allow butter to reach room temperature naturally—microwaving creates uneven softening.

Overbaking: These cookies continue cooking after removal from the oven. Take them out when bottoms are just golden, even if they seem underdone. Overbaked cookies become dry and crumbly rather than tender.

Skipping the Double Coating: Rolling once in powdered sugar looks lackluster. The second coating creates that iconic snowy appearance.

Uneven Cookie Sizes: Different sizes bake at different rates. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for consistency.

Coating Hot Cookies: Sugar dissolves on extremely hot cookies, creating a glaze rather than powder. Wait until they’re warm but not hot for the first coating.

How to Store snowball cookie recipe

Proper storage maintains your snowball cookies easy perfection:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 7 days. They’ll maintain their tender texture beautifully.

Refrigerator: While unnecessary, refrigeration extends freshness to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

Freezer: Place cookies in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Freeze before the final powdered sugar coating, then coat after thawing for the freshest appearance.

Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

The powdered sugar coating may absorb into the cookie slightly during storage—simply recoat before serving if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make snowball cookie recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it tightly wrapped. You can also freeze shaped unbaked balls for up to 2 months—bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time. This makes them perfect for holiday meal planning.

What can I substitute for pecans in this snowball cookies easy recipe?

Walnuts are the most popular substitution, offering similar texture and flavor. Almonds, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts also work wonderfully. For nut-free versions, try finely crushed rice cereal or omit the mix-ins entirely for simple butter cookies.

Why did my snowball cookie recipe turn out crumbly?

Overmixing the dough or using too much flour causes excessive crumbliness. Measure flour by spooning it into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag. Also ensure your butter was properly softened before mixing for better dough cohesion.

How do I prevent the powdered sugar from disappearing?

This happens when cookies are too hot during coating. Cool them for exactly 5 minutes after baking before the first coating, then coat again only after complete cooling. Store with parchment between layers to prevent sugar absorption.

Can I use salted butter for this snowball cookie recipe?

Yes, but omit the added salt in the recipe. Salted butter adds pleasant depth, though unsalted gives you better control over the final flavor balance. Either option produces delicious results in this snowball cookies easy recipe.

Final Thoughts

This snowball cookie recipe proves that exceptional cookies don’t require complicated techniques or unusual ingredients. With just three simple steps—mix, shape, and bake—you’ll create tender, buttery treats that rival any bakery offering. These cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, have delighted generations with their simple elegance and irresistible taste. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting your culinary journey, this foolproof recipe guarantees success. Try this recipe today and discover why these classic cookies remain a beloved tradition in kitchens worldwide!