Delightful Snowball Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Easy, Buttery Pecan Holiday Treats

There’s an undeniable magic to holiday baking, and among the cherished traditions, creating a batch of Christmas cookies stands out. These exquisite snowball cookies, often known by various endearing names like Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are an absolute must-have for your festive spread. With just a handful of simple ingredients and an abundance of finely chopped pecans, they effortlessly combine to create a truly irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth experience that captures the essence of winter wonder. Their delicate texture and sweet, nutty flavor make them a timeless classic, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa.

Why This Easy Snowball Cookie Recipe is a Holiday Favorite

This particular recipe for snowball cookies isn’t just a holiday tradition; it’s a triumph of simplicity and taste. We adore it for several compelling reasons, starting with its remarkably short ingredient list. Requiring only six basic components, it’s an accessible baking project for everyone, from seasoned bakers to enthusiastic beginners. Fewer ingredients often mean less fuss, and this recipe certainly delivers on that promise, making your holiday baking stress-free and enjoyable.

Beyond their effortless preparation, these snowball cookies boast a festive appearance that perfectly suits the season. Rolled in a generous coating of powdered sugar, they truly resemble delicate snowballs, bringing a touch of winter wonderland magic to any dessert platter. Their charming, uniform shape makes them ideal for various holiday uses. They fit beautifully into mini paper baking cups, making them a neat and elegant addition to cookie exchanges or dessert tables. Furthermore, their sturdy yet tender nature makes them excellent candidates for edible gift boxes, allowing you to share the joy of homemade treats with friends, family, and neighbors. Imagine a box filled with these powdery delights – they’re not just cookies; they’re little parcels of holiday cheer!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Snowball Cookies

The beauty of these classic snowball cookies lies in their simplicity, utilizing everyday pantry staples to create something truly special. For the best results, always opt for high-quality ingredients, as they truly make a difference in the final flavor and texture of your buttery pecan cookies. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor can be achieved with so few components!

The core ingredients include unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and of course, plenty of powdered sugar for that signature “snowy” finish. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the butter provides richness and that coveted melt-in-your-mouth quality, the sugar adds sweetness, vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, and flour creates the delicate cookie structure. The pecans are the star, offering a delightful crunch and distinct nutty taste that elevates these cookies from good to extraordinary. Make sure your pecans are finely chopped to ensure they integrate well into the dough and don’t make the cookies crumbly. Remember, all precise measurements and detailed instructions are conveniently located in the printable recipe card at the conclusion of this comprehensive guide.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Snowball Cookies

These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delightful recipe. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to access the printable version, complete with all measurements and concise instructions, located at the very end of this post.

1. Prepare Your Baking Environment: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Insulated sheets help prevent the bottoms of your cookies from browning too quickly, ensuring a perfectly delicate texture.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for the tender texture of the cookies. Once creamy, add the vanilla extract and continue beating until it is fully incorporated, lending a wonderful aroma to your dough.
   
   
   
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: With your mixer set to low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Once partially combined, fold in the finely chopped pecans. Continue to beat until the dough comes together forming a cohesive mass and all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but manageable.
   
   
4. Form the Snowball Shapes: Take portions of the dough, about a level tablespoon’s worth, and roll them into uniform 1-inch balls. A cookie scoop can help ensure consistency in size, which aids in even baking. Place the shaped dough balls approximately 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for slight spreading.
   
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for them to be very lightly browned, particularly on the bottoms. The key is to bake them just enough so they are set and tender, but still retain their delicate, buttery texture. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry.
   
   
6. First Powdered Sugar Roll: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, carefully roll each cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar. The warmth of the cookies helps the sugar adhere and creates that beautiful, snowy coating that gives them their name.
   
7. Cool Completely: Transfer the sugar-coated cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. This step is important for the cookie’s structure and for the second sugar coating.
8. Second Powdered Sugar Roll: Once the cookies are entirely cool, give them a second roll in powdered sugar. This double-coating method ensures a thick, opaque layer of “snow,” enhancing their visual appeal and adding an extra burst of sweetness. This final coating truly makes them look like perfect little snowballs ready for your holiday festivities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snowball Cookies

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at these delightful treats for the first time, you might have a few questions. Here are answers to some common queries about making and storing snowball cookies to ensure your success!

Aren’t these delicate cookies simply charming? They look absolutely enchanting in our mailbox-shaped cookie canister, ready to deliver smiles! These classic snowball cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a versatile addition to your holiday traditions. Prepare a generous batch for your festive holiday trays, thoughtfully arrange them to give as delightful edible gifts, or, of course, set a plate out for Santa Claus himself. Their snowy appearance and rich, nutty flavor make them a memorable part of any celebration.

More Festive Christmas Cookie Recipes to Explore

The holiday season is synonymous with a variety of delicious cookies, and while snowball cookies are a beloved classic, there’s a whole world of festive treats to discover. Expand your baking repertoire and fill your home with the delightful aromas of Christmas with these other fantastic cookie recipes. Each one offers a unique flavor and texture, ensuring there’s something to please every palate on your holiday cookie platter.

• Thumbprint Cookies: A classic with a sweet jam center, perfect for adding a pop of color to your tray.
• Homemade Gingersnaps: Spicy and satisfying, these chewy gingersnaps are a holiday staple.
• Orange Crinkle Cookies: Bright citrus flavor combined with a delightful crinkled, powdered sugar coating.
• Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: A timeless favorite, rich and comforting.
• Cornflake Christmas Wreaths: A fun, no-bake option that’s quick and easy to make with kids.
• Reeses Pieces Cookies: For the chocolate and peanut butter lovers, these are always a hit.
• Christmas Kiss Cookies: Festive chocolate cookies topped with a Hershey’s Kiss, visually appealing and delicious.
• Cherry Wink Cookies: Bursting with cherry flavor and a crunchy topping, these are a unique holiday treat.

I absolutely love spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors and perfecting classic recipes, and then sharing those culinary adventures with all of you! Remembering to visit back every day for new inspiration can be a challenge, which is why I’ve made it easy. I offer a convenient newsletter delivered straight to your inbox every time a fresh recipe is posted. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily dose of delicious recipes, ensuring you never miss out on your next favorite meal or dessert!

Snowball Cookies

Make a batch of snowball cookies for your holiday trays, to give as edible gifts, or to add to Santa’s plate!

5 from 12 votes

IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

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Course:
Desserts

Cuisine:
American

Servings:

48
cookies

30 minutes
mins

Calories:
89

Author:

Amanda Davis

Ingredients

• 
  
  1
  cup
  unsalted butter
  softened

• 
  ▢
  
  
  ¼
  cup
  granulated sugar

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  teaspoon
  vanilla extract

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  cups
  all-purpose flour

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  cups
  finely chopped pecans

• 
  ▢
  
  
  Powdered sugar

Things You’ll Need

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Hand mixer

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Insulated baking sheets

• 
  ▢
  
  

  Silicone baking mat

Before You Begin

• These cookies can be kept at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Snowball cookie dough can be made up to three months ahead of time. Make up to the step right before rolling out the dough balls. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, then wrap in freezer paper and freeze until ready to bake. Thaw dough, roll into balls and proceed with recipe.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• In a medium bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract beat until incorporated.
• With mixer at low speed, beat in flour and finely chopped pecans until dough comes together and all ingredients are incorporated.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls (about a level tablespoon). Place 1-inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
• Bake 16-18 minutes or until very lightly browned.
• Cool 5 minutes on pan then roll in powdered sugar while cookies are still warm.
• Allow to cool completely.
• Roll cookies in powdered sugar again when cool.

Nutrition

Serving:
1
cookie

|

Calories:
89
cal

|

Carbohydrates:
6
g

|

Protein:
1
g

|

Fat:
7
g

|

Saturated Fat:
3
g

|

Trans Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
10
mg

|

Sodium:
1
mg

|

Potassium:
25
mg

|

Fiber:
1
g

|

Sugar:
1
g

|

Vitamin A:
121
IU

|

Vitamin C:
1
mg

|

Calcium:
5
mg

|

Iron:
1
mg

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.