Snowball Cookies
Traditional Snowball Cookies: A Timeless Holiday Classic
The holidays are a time for traditions, and nothing embodies that better than a batch of classic snowball cookies.
With their tender, buttery crumb, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies are a staple of festive baking.
Whether you know them as snowballs, Russian tea cakes, or Mexican wedding cookies, one thing is certain—they never go out of style.
Made with simple pantry ingredients, traditional snowball cookies are as easy to make as they are delightful to eat. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea and add an elegant touch to any holiday cookie tray. Let’s celebrate the joy of baking with this timeless recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts, if preferred)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the dough. - Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm it up. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a smooth ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart. - Bake:
Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden. The tops should remain pale. - Cool and Roll:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then carefully roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Double Coating:
Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a perfect snowy finish.
Why These Cookies Are Timeless
Traditional snowball cookies are all about simplicity and nostalgia. The buttery dough, accented by the crunch of finely chopped nuts, is a texture lover’s dream.
Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them as beautiful as freshly fallen snow, while their rich, nutty flavor brings warmth to every bite.
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift exchanges, or quiet evenings by the fire. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and have a way of disappearing quickly—so don’t be surprised if you need to bake a second batch!
Happy holidays, and may this classic recipe bring a little extra sweetness to your celebrations!
