There’s something magical about the first bite of a snowball cookie. Soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender, these powdered sugar–coated treats are the definition of comfort food during the holiday season. Whether you call them snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, or Mexican wedding cookies, their irresistible crumbly texture and nutty sweetness make them a must-have for every cookie platter.

These easy snowball cookies are perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. Made with simple pantry staples like butter, flour, powdered sugar, and nuts, they come together quickly and look beautiful dusted in their snowy white sugar coating. If you’re searching for easy Christmas cookie recipes, classic holiday desserts, or make-ahead treats for parties, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Snowball Cookies Recipe

Classic holiday favorite – perfect for Christmas, weddings, or festive gatherings.
Melt-in-your-mouth texture – buttery, nutty, and tender with every bite.
Easy to make with pantry staples – no fancy ingredients or equipment required.
Kid-friendly recipe – fun to roll, bake, and coat in powdered sugar.
Make-ahead friendly – dough and baked cookies store beautifully.
Versatile – customize with different nuts, extracts, or even chocolate chips.

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to make the best snowball cookies:

Unsalted butter: The base of the cookie, giving it richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the cookie tender; also used for the signature snowy coating.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and delicate.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty flavor.
Finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Add crunch, depth, and classic holiday flavor.

Pro Tips

Use room temperature butter: It creams more smoothly with the sugar for the perfect dough texture.
Chop nuts finely: Too large and the dough won’t hold together as well.
Double coat in sugar: First while warm so it sticks, then again once cool for the snowy look.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the bottoms; the tops should remain white, not brown.
Cool slightly before rolling: If you roll too soon, the sugar will melt; wait just long enough for them to set but still warm.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Nuts: Swap walnuts or pecans with almonds, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
Flavor twist: Add almond extract or orange zest for extra flavor.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Chocolate lovers: Stir in mini chocolate chips with the nuts.
Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy winter variation.

Serving Suggestions

Snowball cookies are versatile and pair perfectly with holiday meals or cozy moments. Try serving them with:

A mug of hot chocolate or spiced cider.
Coffee or espresso for a holiday brunch.
Alongside other Christmas classics like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, or sugar cookies.
On a festive cookie platter for parties or gifting.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Snowball cookies are ideal for make-ahead holiday baking. Here’s how to store them:

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer (dough): Roll into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes.
Freezer (baked): Freeze fully baked (without powdered sugar), then thaw and coat before serving.
Re-coat if needed: If the powdered sugar absorbs, simply roll again before serving.

Cultural & Historical Notes

Snowball cookies have traveled the globe under many names. Known as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, and Butterballs, they’ve been enjoyed for centuries in European and Latin American traditions. Their nutty richness and snowy appearance made them a festive treat, symbolizing celebration and togetherness. In the U.S., they became a popular holiday staple in the mid-20th century, beloved for their simple ingredients and timeless flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why are my snowball cookies falling apart?
If the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or an extra tablespoon of butter to help it bind.

2. Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?
Yes! Simply leave out the nuts or replace them with mini chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels.

3. Why do snowball cookies flatten?
Too much butter or over-creaming can cause spreading. Measure carefully and keep butter just softened, not melted.

4. How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from melting?
Roll once while warm so it sticks, then again after cooling completely. Store in a cool, dry place, not the fridge.

5. Can I double the recipe for a holiday party?
Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully—just make sure to chill the dough briefly if working in large batches.

Snowball Cookies Recipe Easy Holiday Favorite

Emily