If you’re searching for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug during any season, you have to try this Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful little bites boast a buttery base, a lovely hint of vanilla, and the perfect crunch from chopped pecans, all generously coated in powdered sugar that melts sweetly as you take a bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon tea, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this Snowball Cookies Recipe will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection and a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to lend the perfect balance of flavor and texture. None are complicated, yet together they create a cookie that’s rich, nutty, and irresistibly crumbly.
- Salted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Using cold, sliced butter ensures the dough holds its shape and delivers that classic tender crumb.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup plus extra): Essential both in the dough for sweetness and coats the cookies for that snowy, festive look.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a warm, comforting aroma and depth to the flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The fundamental structure of the cookie; spooned and leveled for precision.
- Pecan halves (1 cup, chopped): Give a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that perfectly contrasts the buttery dough.
How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cold butter on medium speed for about one minute. The butter shouldn’t get too soft—just softened enough to be creamy. Then add half a cup of powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is smooth and luscious. This step is crucial for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Flour
Mix in the vanilla extract, scraping down the bowl’s sides to incorporate all the buttery goodness. Slowly add the all-purpose flour on a low mixer speed just until combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so keep it gentle. Then fold in the chopped pecans to spread their nutty goodness throughout every bite.
Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Dough
Use a small cookie scoop to portion out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough each. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, fitting about 24 cookies per sheet. Refrigerate the trays for 15 to 30 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape during baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Place the chilled cookie trays into the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until the bottoms develop a light, toasty brown color. The tops will still look pale—that’s what you want. Once done, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before handling.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in a bowl containing about three-quarters of a cup of powdered sugar, making sure every side is dusted generously. Transfer the sugared snowballs to a cooling rack to cool completely. For the perfect snowy finish, roll the cooled cookies again or sift the remaining powdered sugar on top for that classic Snowball Cookies Recipe look.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple and sweet, these cookies shine on their own, but if you want to get creative, consider adding a light dusting of cinnamon mixed with powdered sugar or a few chopped pecan pieces on top before the second roll. It adds a subtle spice and visual appeal that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Snowball cookies pair beautifully with a warm drink, such as a spiced chai latte, peppermint hot chocolate, or a classic cup of black coffee. The richness of the cookie complements these beverages and balances their bold flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, arrange the cookies in a clear glass jar or stack them on a tiered dessert tray. Wrapping small bundles tied with rustic twine or colorful ribbon makes for charming, edible gifts that spread joy far beyond the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store your Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The powdered sugar coating keeps them fresh, and the cookies maintain their perfect crumbly texture when kept away from moisture.
Freezing
Snowball cookies freeze beautifully. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When sealed properly, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months.
Reheating
To enjoy your frozen cookies at their freshest, let them thaw at room temperature and then warm them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes. This quick reheat refreshes their buttery richness and crisp exterior, finishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar to revive that signature Snowball Cookies Recipe charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully and provide a similar crunch and flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the dough.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling helps the dough firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. This results in perfect, round snowball shapes and the ideal crumbly texture.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can. Just add a pinch of salt to the dough to replace the seasoning. Salt is key to balancing sweetness and enhancing the overall flavor.
How long can I keep the cookies before they go stale?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about a week. Beyond that, they might lose some of their delicate texture but will still taste delicious.
What’s the best way to roll cookies in powdered sugar?
Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm allows the sugar to lightly melt and stick, creating the signature snowball finish. Rolling again once cooled adds an extra snowy coat that makes them visually irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Snowball Cookies Recipe is one of those timeless classics that never fail to bring smiles and warm moments around the table. The perfect balance of tender dough, nutty crunch, and that snowy sugar coating makes these cookies a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough—once you taste these cookies, they’ll become your go-to whenever you crave a little homemade happiness.
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and perfectly coated in powdered sugar. With a tender crumb and a rich pecan flavor, they make a delightful treat for holidays or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth cookie. The recipe involves simple mixing, chilling, baking, and rolling steps, resulting in 40 delicious meltaway cookies perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 16 Tablespoons or 226 grams) salted butter, sliced (do not soften)
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (235 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 cup pecan halves, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Beat Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the sliced butter on medium speed for 1 minute until it softens but is not too soft. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla and Flour: Mix in the vanilla extract, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Slowly add the flour and mix on low speed just until combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Scoop and Chill Dough: Use a small cookie scoop to portion about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each portion into a ball. Arrange 24 dough balls per baking sheet. Refrigerate the dough balls on the baking sheets for 15 to 30 minutes to firm up before baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the chilled dough balls in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the pans for 5 minutes.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Place about 3/4 cup powdered sugar in a bowl. While the cookies are still warm, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Final Sugar Coating: Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again or sift additional powdered sugar over the tops to ensure a beautiful, snowy finish.
Notes
- Butter should be sliced and slightly softened but not melted to achieve the perfect dough texture.
- Chilling the dough balls before baking helps maintain their shape and yields better texture.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
