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The delightful aroma of these rich snowball cookies always brings warmth to my home, whether I'm making them for holiday celebrations or just as a weekend snack. With their soft, melt-away texture and sweet dusting of powdered sugar, they come together using one bowl and just a few simple ingredients.
This recipe was handed down from my grandma, and now it's a winter tradition I share with my children. Seeing them coat each warm treat in snowy sugar is one of those priceless kitchen moments I treasure.
Round Up Your Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose or whole wheat pastry flour provides structure and tenderness. Pick a quality brand for the best results
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts or almonds: They bring nutty flavor and subtle crunch. You'll get more flavor if you toast them first
- Butter or coconut oil: Gives that rich taste and signature melting texture. Go for unsalted butter or refined coconut oil to keep flavors clean
- Powdered sugar: Creates sweetness and that famous snowy coating. Make sure to sift it first for smooth measuring
- Optional extra powdered sugar or cocoa powder for coating: Makes that classic snow-covered look or adds chocolate flair. Fresh sugar sticks best on cookies right out of the oven
How to Make It
- Prep and Blend:
- Begin by sifting the flour to keep your cookies light instead of dense. In a big bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer for about 3-4 minutes until it gets fluffy and pale. Don't forget to scrape down the bowl so everything mixes well
- Add Nuts and Dry Stuff:
- Gently mix in your chosen nuts with the sifted flour. Use a rubber spatula and keep blending until no dry spots remain. You want a thick, soft dough that doesn't stick too much to your fingers
- Form and Rest:
- Make tablespoon-sized balls from the dough and set them about an inch apart on a lined cookie sheet. If your dough feels too sticky, let it chill for about fifteen minutes to make handling easier
- Bake Until Done:
- Put the sheet in your oven after heating it to 350°F. Let them bake for 20-25 minutes. They should be firm on the bottom but stay light-colored on top
- Sugar While Hot:
- Allow cookies to cool slightly, then while still warm but not burning hot, roll them in powdered sugar. For an extra thick coating, wait until they're completely cool and roll them again
I always go for pecans because their mild nuttiness and soft bite make every mouthful extra enjoyable. My family always makes two batches so we've got plenty to give out to neighbors and friends
Flavor Boosters
Give nuts a quick toast before chopping to bring out their flavor. Try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy warmth, or mix in some orange zest for a bright, fresh taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cookies in paper cupcake liners for easy handling or stack them on an old-fashioned plate. They go great with hot chocolate or spiced tea, and for parties, try coating them with a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa for a pretty snow-swirled effect.
Creative Twists
Try almonds or pecans instead of walnuts, use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option, or swap in gluten-free flour mix if needed. During holidays, try green pistachios with colored sugar, or mix hazelnuts with orange peel for a seasonal touch.
These snowball cookies won't last long on any dessert table. They're a hit in every season and sharing them with family creates the sweetest memories.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What type of nuts work best in snowball cookies?
Walnuts are traditional but pecans and almonds taste amazing too. Go with what you love or mix them up for more complex flavor.
- → Can I use gluten-free flour?
Bob's Red Mill gluten-free flour works really well as a swap in this recipe and still gives you cookies with a nice soft texture.
- → Should I use butter or coconut oil?
Butter creates that traditional rich taste everyone loves, but coconut oil makes a good dairy-free option if you need it.
- → How do I get the perfect snowy finish?
Wait until cookies have cooled down then roll them in powdered sugar. For an extra white coating, roll them again after a few minutes.
- → Are snowball cookies suitable for freezing?
They freeze really well. Just put them in an airtight container and when you thaw them out, you might want to roll them in fresh powdered sugar again.