Few things say “holiday season” quite like a plate of perfectly round, powdered-sugar-dusted Snowball Cookies. These delicate, buttery treats—also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies—are a beloved part of winter baking traditions around the world. Their signature crumbly texture, rich nutty flavor, and snowy white coating make them irresistible for both kids and adults alike.
In this in-depth post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Snowball Cookies: their origins, why they’re so iconic, how to make them flawlessly, expert baking tips, storage ideas, and creative variations that can keep your holiday cookie tray fresh and exciting.
So preheat your oven and grab your mixing bowl—it’s time to create a winter wonderland in your kitchen.
A Little History: The Global Origins of Snowball Cookies
Snowball Cookies have more than one name—and that’s part of their charm. Depending on where you live, you may know them as:
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Russian Tea Cakes (a nod to the elegant afternoon teas in 18th-century Europe)
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Mexican Wedding Cookies (a staple at celebrations across Latin America)
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Butterballs, Southern Pecan Balls, or Viennese Crescents (when shaped differently)
Though their exact origin is debated, many food historians believe these cookies trace back to European nut-based pastries, particularly those made with ground almonds or walnuts. Immigrants later brought variations to the Americas, adapting the recipes using local ingredients like pecans.
Today, these cookies remain a global holiday favorite—a symbol of warmth, sharing, and festive sweetness.
What Makes Snowball Cookies So Special?
Snowball Cookies stand out because of their unique melt-in-your-mouth texture and deceptively simple ingredient list.
Unlike most cookies, they contain no eggs. Instead, they rely on a perfect ratio of butter, flour, sugar, and finely chopped nuts. Once baked, they’re rolled—twice—in powdered sugar, giving them that snowy, magical appearance.
Key features that make them unforgettable:
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Buttery and nutty: The richness of real butter and toasted nuts creates an unbeatable depth of flavor.
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Crumbly texture: The cookie dissolves softly with each bite.
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Festive presentation: Their snowy coating makes them a natural fit for Christmas and winter celebrations.
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Make-ahead friendly: They taste even better after resting, making them perfect for gifting and parties.
The Perfect Snowball Cookies Recipe
Ingredients (Makes about 36 cookies)
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 cup finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
Step 3: Fold in the Nuts
Stir in the finely chopped nuts. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their round shape during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 6: Powdered Sugar Magic
Let cookies cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm. Let them cool completely and roll again for that perfect snowy look.
Expert Baking Tips
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Use real butter. Margarine won’t give you the same flavor or texture.
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Don’t skip the chilling step. It keeps the cookies from spreading.
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Roll twice in sugar. The first layer melts slightly; the second makes them beautifully coated.
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Toast your nuts. Lightly toasting enhances their flavor and aroma.
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Don’t overbake. Snowball Cookies should be pale, not browned.
Nut Variations
The nut choice changes the flavor profile dramatically:
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Pecans: Sweet, buttery, classic Southern touch.
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Walnuts: Earthy and rich.
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Almonds: Light and fragrant; pairs beautifully with almond extract.
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Hazelnuts: Perfect for a Ferrero Rocher-inspired twist.
You can even mix different nuts for a more complex taste!
Flavor Variations to Try
While traditional Snowball Cookies are timeless, experimenting can lead to delightful results. Here are some fun ideas:
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Chocolate Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips or dip half the cookie in melted dark chocolate.
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Coconut Snowballs: Replace part of the nuts with shredded coconut.
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Lemon Snowballs: Add lemon zest and a touch of juice for a citrus twist.
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Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for warmth.
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Matcha Snowballs: Mix 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into the dough for a green, tea-flavored treat.
How to Store and Gift Snowball Cookies
Snowball Cookies are incredibly durable, making them perfect for gifting or preparing ahead of time.
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
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Freezer: Freeze uncoated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and roll in powdered sugar before serving.
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Gift idea: Place them in clear cellophane bags or festive tins with a ribbon. They make thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with tea, hot cocoa, or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
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Add them to your holiday dessert board with truffles, peppermint bark, and fudge.
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Crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for a nutty, buttery topping.
Snowball Cookies for Pinterest & Social Media
When sharing your Snowball Cookies on Pinterest or Instagram, aesthetic matters.
Here are a few tips for irresistible photos:
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Use a dark background to make the powdered sugar pop.
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Add holiday props—pinecones, fairy lights, red napkins—for seasonal vibes.
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Capture action shots: rolling cookies in sugar or stacking them in a jar.
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Use natural lighting for that warm, cozy glow.
These visual cues can help your pin or post go viral—especially when paired with strong keywords like:
“Christmas Cookies,” “Holiday Baking Ideas,” “Easy Snowball Cookies,” “Traditional Holiday Desserts,” and “Winter Cookie Recipes.”
Why Snowball Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Though they’re most famous during Christmas, these cookies are versatile enough for year-round enjoyment. Whether it’s a winter wedding, tea party, baby shower, or family gathering, Snowball Cookies always impress.
Their simple ingredients and elegant look make them timeless—a recipe passed down through generations, bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Final Thoughts
Snowball Cookies are more than just cookies—they’re edible snowflakes of joy. Every bite carries the taste of tradition, love, and celebration. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays, sharing them with loved ones, or savoring them by the fireplace with a cup of cocoa, these cookies will forever symbolize the sweetness of the season.
