Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are the very definition of comfort-meets-classic, lightly crisp on the outside, tender and buttery inside, and wrapped in a dreamy blanket of powdered sugar. This beloved cookie is a must-have at every holiday gathering and makes for a charming treat to brighten any day. The melt-in-your-mouth texture, nutty flavor, and picture-perfect finish make these cookies as delightful to make as they are to share. If you’re looking for a treat with nostalgia baked right in, you simply can’t go wrong with Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate nutty flavor. Don’t skip or swap — everything here matters!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of our cookies, providing richness and that irresistibly tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus extra for rolling): Dissolves seamlessly, offering sweetness both inside and out for the iconic snowy finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely undertone of warmth and rounds out the buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives structure, ensuring the cookies hold their adorable, round shapes.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint balances out the sweetness and enhances every flavor in the mix.
- Finely chopped pecans or walnuts (1 cup): Nuts bring signature crunch and nutty complexity — chop them finely for the most tender bite.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this step is your assurance against cookies sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Setting up your workspace upfront means you can focus entirely on the fun part: the dough!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together your softened unsalted butter and the powdered sugar. You’re aiming for a pale, fluffy texture — this step creates those perfect, tender snowball cookies we all crave. Don’t rush it; let the mixer do its magic for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated. Vanilla isn’t just a background flavor here — it highlights the nutty richness of these cookies and makes the kitchen smell absolutely divine.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Take care not to over-mix at this stage, as that can make the cookies tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth. The dough should come together and pull away from the sides of the bowl easily.
Step 5: Fold in the Nuts
Stir in your finely chopped pecans or walnuts. The key is a fine chop — you want little bits throughout so you get a perfect bite every time, rather than big chunks that disrupt the shape of your snowballs. The dough will be thick but workable.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. The size matters! Keeping them uniform ensures they bake evenly and look picture-perfect in the end.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, watching closely as the bottoms begin to turn a lightly golden color. Resist the urge to overbake; you want the outside set, but the inside should stay soft and tender.
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar While Warm
Let the cookies cool for just 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then carefully roll each one in powdered sugar while still a little warm. This first coating melts slightly, helping the sugar cling to every curve and giving you that signature snowy look.
Step 9: Cool and Roll Again
Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, roll them once more in powdered sugar for the ultimate snowball finish — this second layer is the secret to their irresistible frosty coat and classic holiday charm.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For pure elegance, I love a final dusting of fresh powdered sugar just before serving — it adds a delicate, fresh “snowfall.” You can also top with a small piece of festive candied nut, or even a sprinkle of edible glitter if you want to add extra sparkle for the holidays.
Side Dishes
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are truly irresistible with a cozy beverage. Serve them alongside hot chocolate, spiced chai, or a mug of rich coffee for an unbeatable afternoon treat. On a dessert platter, pair them with chocolate-dipped strawberries or a bowl of mixed fresh berries to balance their buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies are made for gifting! Pile them high in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon, nestle them in a festive tin, or arrange them pyramid-style on a cake stand with twinkling fairy lights. For holiday parties, display them in a snowflake-patterned bowl, or offer them as classic “snowball favors” for guests to take home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay tender for up to a week. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve that pristine snowy coating!
Freezing
You can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough, making Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies a smart choice for holiday prep. If freezing after baking, let the cookies cool completely and freeze them in a single layer until firm before transferring to a container. For unbaked dough, roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet; then bag them up — bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
If your cookies have been frozen or stored for several days, let them come to room temperature on the counter. If you want to refresh them, just pop them in a low oven (around 250°F) for 5 minutes — then roll in a fresh layer of powdered sugar to restore their just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re avoiding nuts, you can substitute finely chopped seeds (like pepitas or sunflower seeds) or simply omit the mix-in for an ultra-buttery, classic version. The cookies may spread a touch more, but they’ll still be delicious.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t essential for this recipe, since the dough isn’t especially sticky and the cookies hold their shape well. If your kitchen is very warm, you can chill the shaped balls for 10 minutes before baking to ensure extra round snowballs.
Why do I roll Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coating — when the cookies are warm — creates sticky magic that helps the second generous roll cling perfectly. This double roll is key to that luscious snowy exterior everyone loves.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but you’ll still get deliciously tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
Are Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies the same as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies?
They’re nearly identical! These cookies go by many names around the world. Whether you call them Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Italian Butterballs, they’re all delightfully buttery, nutty, and dusted in snowy powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a tray of Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies from the oven — the aroma alone is a treat! Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your own sweet tooth, don’t miss the chance to create (and share!) these classic, happy little cookies. Give them a try, and let the powdered sugar party begin!
Print
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat, featuring a buttery, nutty flavor and a snowy coating of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Form dough and bake: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool and coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a classic snowball finish.
Notes
Notes:
- For best results, use finely chopped nuts.
- These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Great for gifting during the holidays!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
