Best Snowball Cookie Recipe
The best snowball cookie recipe will deliver everything you want in a holiday treat—soft, buttery, nutty, and finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
This isn’t just another cookie recipe—it’s the one that will have friends and family asking for seconds (and the recipe) every single time.
This delicious cookie recipe, sometimes called Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, is a timeless classic for cookie exchanges, festive dessert trays, or cozy winter afternoons with a cup of coffee.
They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver a flavor and texture that feels like pure holiday magic.
What is the recipe for snowball cookies?
- Mix softened butter with powdered sugar, then add vanilla, flour, and crushed pecans.
- Grind pecans finely – This helps the cookies hold together better. A food processor works best, but a rolling pin and bag will do the trick.
- If your dough feels too soft to roll, chill it for 15–20 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes until they are pale on top with light golden bottoms. Overbaking can make them dry.
- Cool on a wire rack, then roll in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish.
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well in place of pecans—just keep them finely chopped.
You can make a chocolate version of this recipe by adding 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Absolutely. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Yes. You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can also be frozen—just roll them in fresh powdered sugar after thawing.
Your butter may have been too soft or the dough too warm. Chill before baking to help them hold their shape.
The dough may have been too dry, the butter wasn’t soft enough, or the cookies are moved before cooling. Be sure to measure flour correctly, mix well, and let them rest on the baking sheet before transferring.
Yes — both are buttery, nut-filled shortbread cookies rolled in powdered sugar, but the name varies by region and tradition. You might also hear them called Russian tea cakes or butterballs.
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If you’re in the mood for more holiday baking fun, these ideas will add even more sweetness to your kitchen this season.
- Learn the best tricks in How to Store Christmas Cookies so every bite stays fresh and full of flavor.
- Bring extra cheer to your next gathering with these Christmas Cookie Exchange Ideas that are as fun as they are delicious.
- Make hosting easy with Christmas Cookie Exchange Printables for a Festive Holiday Party that keep everything organized and pretty.
- Stay on top of your baking to-dos with the Christmas Baking Planner so you can enjoy the season without the stress.
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour
- ½ Cup Crushed Pecans
- 1 Stick Butter Soft
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Pre-Heat oven 350 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter & a 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar.
- Add in the vanilla.
- Slowly add in the flour.
- Then stir in the crushed pecans.
- Roll into teaspoon sized balls and place on a non-stick or parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Roll each ball in the leftover powdered sugar.
These are my mom’s favorite cookies. Can’t wait to make them for her this Christmas. She’ll be so excited!