When the holidays roll around, there are a few things that instantly bring the spirit of Christmas alive: twinkling lights, cozy music, the smell of pine, and of course — festive cookies. Among all the treats baked in December, Snowball Cookies stand out as one of the most iconic. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights, rolled in snowy powdered sugar, are the perfect addition to your holiday dessert tray.
Whether you call them Snowball Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Mexican Wedding Cookies, one thing is certain — they belong at Christmas gatherings. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the history of Snowball Cookies, provide a detailed recipe, give helpful baking tips, nutritional values, and even creative variations to wow your guests.
By the end of this post, you’ll not only know how to make the perfect Snowball Cookies, but you’ll also understand why they remain such a cherished tradition during Christmas.
Why Snowball Cookies Are Perfect for Christmas
Snowball Cookies check every box when it comes to the holidays:
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Festive Appearance: Their white powdered sugar coating looks like freshly fallen snow.
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Classic Tradition: These cookies have been baked for generations, symbolizing family togetherness.
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Simple Yet Delicious: With minimal ingredients, they’re buttery, nutty, and irresistibly soft.
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Giftable Treat: Perfect to package in tins and share as edible Christmas gifts.
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Versatile: They fit in at cookie swaps, Christmas Eve gatherings, and even as Santa’s midnight snack.
No wonder Snowball Cookies are considered a must-have on the Christmas dessert table.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to bake about 24 cookies:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
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2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (traditionally pecans or walnuts, but almonds work too)
Optional Additions:
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract (for a nuttier flavor)
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1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for a holiday spice kick)
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1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (for a twist)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Electric mixer or stand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rubber spatula
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Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
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Cooling rack
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Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for rolling in sugar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Dough
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
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Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
2: Chill the Dough
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Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm it up and prevents spreading during baking.
3: Shape the Cookies
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
4: Bake
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake — they should remain pale on top.
5: First Sugar Coating
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Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm.
6: Second Sugar Coating
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Once completely cool, roll cookies again in powdered sugar for that signature “snowball” look.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
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Don’t skip chilling — Cold dough helps cookies keep their round shape.
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Use finely chopped nuts — Large chunks can make shaping difficult.
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Double sugar roll — Rolling once warm and once cooled ensures maximum coverage.
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Add festive flavors — Try cinnamon, nutmeg, or peppermint extract for a holiday twist.
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Make ahead — Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
Variations to Try This Christmas
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Chocolate Snowballs: Add cocoa powder to the dough.
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Peppermint Snowballs: Roll in crushed peppermint candy with the powdered sugar.
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Gluten-Free Snowballs: Substitute flour with almond flour.
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Snowball Sandwiches: Place a thin layer of jam between two cookies for extra sweetness.
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Nut-Free Version: Swap nuts with mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
Storing and Serving Snowball Cookies
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
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Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Defrost and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.
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Serving: Arrange on a platter with other Christmas cookies for a festive display.
Nutritional Value (per cookie)
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Calories: 110
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Fat: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Sugars: 3g
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Protein: 1.5g
(Values vary depending on nut type and sugar coating.)
The History of Snowball Cookies at Christmas
Snowball Cookies have multiple names across cultures: Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Italian Butterballs. They became especially popular in the U.S. in the 20th century as a traditional Christmas cookie. Their powdered sugar “snowy” look made them a natural fit for holiday baking, symbolizing the winter season.
Why You Should Bake Snowball Cookies This Christmas
Baking Snowball Cookies isn’t just about making dessert — it’s about creating memories. The act of rolling dough, dusting them in powdered sugar, and sharing them with loved ones brings warmth and joy to the season. If you want a cookie that embodies the magic of Christmas, this is the one.
Conclusion
When planning your holiday baking list, don’t forget the timeless Snowball Cookie. Buttery, nutty, and covered in snowy sugar, they’re the perfect representation of Christmas joy. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and delightful to share — these cookies deserve a permanent spot in your festive traditions.
