Snowball Cookies

Published: December 21, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-your-mouth texture – The combination of butter and finely chopped nuts creates a soft, crumbly cookie that feels luxurious.
Quick and easy preparation – With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
Versatile flavor options – Feel free to experiment with different nuts or even roll them in cocoa powder for a twist.
Perfect for sharing – These cookies make great gifts during the holidays or as treats at potlucks and parties.
Customizable servings – Make a large batch to satisfy a crowd or scale down for smaller gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious snowball cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes baking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or medium bowl
Cookie sheet
Wire rack
Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or medium bowl – A stand mixer allows you to easily cream butter and sugar together while saving time.
Cookie sheet – A good-quality cookie sheet ensures even baking for perfectly browned cookies.
Wire rack – Cooling your cookies on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy, keeping their delightful texture intact.

Ingredients

These easy snowball cookies are a holiday favorite dessert recipe that melts in your mouth.

For the Dough

2 cups flour (white, spelt, ww pastry, or Bob’s gf work)
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
1/2 cup powdered sugar

For Coating (Optional)

Additional powdered sugar (or cocoa powder, for rolling)

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your snowball cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Mixture

In a medium bowl or stand mixer, combine the butter with the powdered sugar. Beat until creamy.
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and nuts.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a dough forms.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Shape the dough into small balls using your hands.
Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 4: Coat the Cookies

While warm, roll each cookie in an extra bowl of powdered sugar. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your delightful snowball cookies!

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are delightful treats that can add a festive touch to any gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them, making your dessert table even more inviting.

With a Hot Beverage

Coffee: Pair snowball cookies with a warm cup of coffee for a classic combination.
Tea: Enjoy them alongside your favorite herbal or black tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

On a Dessert Platter

Assorted Cookies: Mix snowball cookies with other types of cookies for an appealing variety.
Fruit Garnish: Arrange fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries on the platter to add color and freshness.

As Party Favors

Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons for a sweet take-home treat.
Decorative Boxes: Present cookies in decorative boxes for an elegant gift option.

With Ice Cream

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create fun ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite flavor between two snowball cookies.
À La Mode: Serve warm snowball cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.

How to Perfect Snowball Cookies

To ensure your snowball cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances the flavor.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter or coconut oil and fresh nuts. This makes a significant difference in taste and texture.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the oven and remove the cookies when they are lightly browned. They should still be soft in the center.
Roll While Warm: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm for better adherence and a beautiful finish.

Best Side Dishes for Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes to create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for contrast; they pair well with the rich flavors of snowball cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station for dipping cookie pieces, creating an interactive dessert experience.
Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate to add variety without overwhelming guests.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries; this adds texture and is refreshing after sweet treats.
Scones with Jam: Serve buttery scones accompanied by fruit jam as another delightful pastry option on your dessert table.
Nut Mixes: A bowl of spiced nuts provides crunch and savory flavors, balancing out the sweetness of snowball cookies.
Meringue Kisses: Light and airy meringues create an elegant touch that pairs nicely without overshadowing the main treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making snowball cookies can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

Using the wrong type of flour: Different flours absorb moisture differently. Stick to the recommended types like all-purpose or spelt flour for best results.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is an exact science. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure your proportions are correct for perfect cookies.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can result in tough cookies. Combine ingredients just until they form a dough.
Skipping the cooling step: Rolling warm cookies in sugar is key. If you skip this, the sugar won’t stick well, and you’ll miss that delightful sweetness.
Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An incorrect temperature can lead to unevenly baked cookies.
Not letting them cool properly: Allow time on a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and ensures a delightful texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Cookies will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Snowball Cookies

Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Snowball Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for 5-10 minutes for that freshly baked taste.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds to avoid overcooking.
Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan on low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a collection of common queries about snowball cookies.

What are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are small, round confections that are buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, often coated in powdered sugar.

Can I use different nuts in Snowball Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans according to your preference for flavor and crunch.

How do I make Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour blends like Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free version.

Why are my Snowball Cookies flat?

Flat cookies might indicate too much butter or not enough flour. Ensure accurate measurements while preparing your dough.

Final Thoughts

These snowball cookies are not just easy to make; they’re also incredibly versatile! You can customize them with different nuts or add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Perfect for any festive occasion or simply as an indulgent treat, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try!

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