Snowball Christmas Cookies are a classic holiday treat that melts in your mouth with every bite. These buttery, nutty, and powdered sugar-coated cookies are a festive favorite, perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a sweet winter treat. Often referred to as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these delightful confections are easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Requires pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour.
- Quick and Easy: Can be made in under 30 minutes.
- Festive and Fun: A holiday favorite that’s perfect for cookie exchanges and gifts.
- Delightfully Buttery: The rich, buttery texture makes them irresistible.
- Nutty Goodness: A delicious crunch from finely chopped nuts adds great flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well and can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Cool completely and roll them in powdered sugar again for a beautiful snowball effect.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
- Spiced Snowballs: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, holiday twist.
- Coconut Snowballs: Substitute some of the nuts with shredded coconut.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
- Lemon Snowballs: Add lemon zest for a refreshing citrusy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Re-coating: If storing for a long period, re-roll in powdered sugar before serving for a fresh, snowy look.
FAQs
How do I prevent my snowball cookies from spreading?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their round shape.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
What type of nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts are the most popular choices, but almonds also work well.
Why do my cookies crumble too much?
Overbaking or not enough butter can make them too dry. Be sure to measure accurately.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the nuts, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How can I make them extra soft?
Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar in the dough helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Do I need to roll them in sugar twice?
Yes, rolling them while warm helps the sugar stick, and a second roll after cooling enhances the snowball effect.
Can I add different extracts for flavor?
Absolutely! Almond extract or even a hint of peppermint can be delicious alternatives.
What’s the best way to coat the cookies in powdered sugar?
Gently roll them in a bowl of powdered sugar or use a sifter to lightly dust them.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They store well for weeks, making them a great make-ahead holiday treat.
Conclusion
Snowball Christmas Cookies are a holiday tradition that brings joy with every bite. Their buttery, nutty, and sugar-dusted goodness makes them a must-have during the festive season. Whether for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or as a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats this holiday season!
Print
Snowball Christmas Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Snowball Christmas Cookies are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these festive treats are coated in powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs. They’re perfect for holiday cookie platters and pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients – Stir in the flour and salt until well combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Coat in powdered sugar – Let cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Double coat – Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a perfect snowy finish.
- Enjoy! Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the dough.
- These cookies freeze well! Just store them in an airtight container and dust with fresh powdered sugar after thawing.
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