Snowball cookies are such a fun and delicious seasonal baking project. If you’ve never had them before, here’s what you need to know: They look like snowballs, they have a nutty buttery flavor, and they are melt-in-your-mouth amazing!
Snowball cookies go great with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. But look out, as they are shockingly addictive.
Related: The Best Cookie Recipes
Snowball Cookie Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Pecans (or other nuts)
- Butter
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
Directions:
Snowball cookies have three main steps for success. First, toast the nuts for maximum flavor. Then, make and bake the cookies.
Last, roll the still-warm cookies in powdered sugar for that snowball effect and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. I like to roll them once, and after I’ve rolled them all, I will roll each one more time for maximum snow effect!
Tips for Making:
- Nuts – I like pecans, but sometimes snowball cookies are made with walnuts or other nuts. It’s up to your preference (or if allergies are an issue). Whatever nut you use, give them a good toasting before chopping them well.
- Roll each dough ball so it’s a 2-3 bite cookie. These don’t bake for long, so you don’t necessarily want oversized cookies.
- Roll the snowball cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm, and then once more. The first layer will melt some (a good thing!), but for that snowy look, you’ll want a second layer.
Serving Suggestion – Coffee!
Snowball cookies go great with a hot beverage like coffee or tea (see our favorite herbal tea-it’s tastes like red hots candy!).
Here’s how to take your at-home coffee game to the next level:
- How to Brew Coffee in a Chemex
- How to Brew Coffee in an Aeropress
- Make Your Own Latte at Home (Without an Expensive Espresso Machine)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my snowball cookies turn out flat?
Snowball cookies should not flatten. Since they do not contain a leavening agent, the main factor to check is that the dough is chilled before baking.
Can snowball cookie dough be frozen?
Yes. You can freeze the dough in balls to bake later. Once they are baked, you can roll them in powdered sugar.
Are snowball cookies the same as Italian wedding cookies?
They are very similar cookies. Italian wedding cookies are sometimes made with different nuts (like almonds) and sometimes shaped into a crescent moon shape before baking.
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Ingredients
- 2 ⅛ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup pecans
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (divided)
Instructions
- In a dry pan, toast the pecans over medium heat until very fragrant.
- Once they are cool enough to handle, chop well.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, chopped pecans, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until a dough forms.
- Cover and refrigerate for one hour, up to overnight.
- Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. The bottoms should just begin to brown.
- Once cool enough to handle (but still warm), roll them in the remaining powdered sugar. Once you've rolled all the cookies, roll each one a second time.
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
What “serving” size is the Nutrition Facts info based on? 1 cookie? 2? (My ‘rating’ is based solely on my question–I have NOT yet made this recipe.)
Yes, the serving size is 1 cookie. The recipe as listed on the recipe card makes 20 cookies.
Made these for Christmas Eve and EVERYONE loved them!
Yay! That makes me so happy
These were delicious!
They are not called snowballs. They are pecan balls.
My grandma called them snowballs and these are delicious ❤️
There’s one in every crowd. 🤦🏼♀️
They are to called Snowball cookies!! They’ve been called Snowball cookies for years!! I make them every Christmas and my 2 girls and my Grandkids Love them!!! I’ve been making them since 1979!!!!
Depending upon where you are from the name changes. Since you can use any variety of nut ice, walnut, pistachio the name would not be specific to the pecan…this snowball. You sound ridiculous just enjoy your recipe and let the rest of us enjoy this one, Hater!
Can I substitute with oat flour and get the same results?
Aren’t these called by many other names? My same recipe calls them Swedish Heirloom Cookies.
I grew up with them being called Mexican Wedding cookies. There are tons of names. Same amazing cookies.
Many other cultures recognize them by Italian wedding cookies. Similar recipe different name, great cookie
Can I use blanched superfine almond flour in place of pecans?
I would think the pecans are there as texture…. so almond flour wouldn’t work, but I bet you could use chopped almonds with good results 🙂
My all time favorite Christmas cookie! So nostalgic, a treat from my childhood and beyond. Thanks for posting.
I like the look of these and the fact that they are nice and easy to do. I will have to give these a try for a Christmas treat! Molly | transatlanticnotes.com
I love snowball cookies!! I haven’t made this version yet, but it’s on my list to try this weekend and I’ll report back. 🙂
Update: they were delicious! I prepped the batter ahead of time, and then our toddlers helped roll them into balls to bake and roll in powdered sugar afterward. It was a perfect recipe for young kids – fun, engaging, and not finnicky. I totally recommend!
The best cookies ever (!!)
I love snowball cookies! So good
Love these cookies!