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Home / Holidays and Events / Christmas / Desserts

Classic Snowball Cookies

4.97
/5
25 minutes minutes
62 Comments
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By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 11/29/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Snowball cookies are a classic holiday dessert made with simple ingredients, are buttery, nutty, and just melt in your mouth. Perfect for Christmas, or any other holiday, they'll be a family favorite on the dessert tray! #cookies #christmas #dessert #baking
Snowball cookies are a classic holiday dessert made with simple ingredients, are buttery, nutty, and just melt in your mouth. Perfect for Christmas, or any other holiday, they'll be a family favorite on the dessert tray! #cookies #christmas #dessert #baking
Snowball cookies are a classic holiday dessert made with simple ingredients, are buttery, nutty, and just melt in your mouth. Perfect for Christmas, or any other holiday, they'll be a family favorite on the dessert tray! #cookies #christmas #dessert #baking

Snowball cookies are a classic holiday dessert made with simple ingredients, are buttery, nutty, and just melt in your mouth. Perfect for Christmas, or any other holiday, they’ll be a family favorite on the dessert tray!

This is one of my Holiday Dessert recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!

pile of snowball cookies on plate
Pin this recipe for later!

I hope you guys are ready for some holiday desserts!  I’ve got plenty of them for you this year, including these fabulous snowball cookies.

It’s almost December, which means it’s almost prime baking season. With plenty of parties and gatherings, there’s plenty of opportunity to bring some amazing desserts out to share!

And I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely all about easy desserts. This time of year is insanely busy for everyone, so why add to that stress by making fussy and complicated treats?

These snowball cookies are made with just 7 common and simple ingredients… in fact, you may have all these ingredients on hand in your pantry right now!

The cookies themselves are buttery and nutty, and practically melt in your mouth. And the dusting of soft powdered sugar adds the perfect bit of sweetness.

How to make snowball cookies?

This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.

step by step how to make snowball cookies
  1. Chop pecans. You can certainly use a knife and chop away, but if you have a food processor, this is a great place to use it.
  2. Mix dry ingredients. In this recipe, that’s the flour, salt and pecans.
  3. Mix wet ingredients. That would be the butter, vanilla extract, almond extract and sugar. Beat until creamy, and a hand mixer is super helpful here.
  4. Beat in dry ingredients. Do this a little at a time, about 1/2 cup at a time, until it’s all mixed together.
  5. Roll into balls. A cookie scoop is very helpful for this, and I’ve linked to one down lower on the page.
  6. Bake.
  7. Roll in sugar. Once the cookies have cooled a little bit, roll them in extra powdered sugar.
  8. Cool, then roll again.

Helpful Tip!

If you find your first batch of cookies are coming out of the oven a little flat (other than slightly flattened on the bottom – which is normal), it can be one of two things. Too much butter will cause flattening, so make sure you’re measuring exactly. It can also be that your dough needs to chill a little bit. Everyone keeps their home at a different temperature, so if you’re worried, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes.

snowball cookies on plate on holiday decorated table

Variations of this recipe

  • Extracts – if you’re not a fan of almond extract, feel free to substitute with an equal amount of additional vanilla extract.
  • Toasted pecans – for extra pecan flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium low heat until fragrant. Let them cool, then chop and use them in the recipe.
  • Stuffed – for a fun surprise, add a small amount of nutella or melted chocolate in the center of each cookie.
  • Other nuts – these cookies are traditionally made with pecans, but I’ve seen some European versions using almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts.
  • Chilled – the dough can be chilled in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking if you want to make sure the cookies are as round as possible.
Snowball cookies are a classic holiday dessert made with simple ingredients, are buttery, nutty, and just melt in your mouth. Perfect for Christmas, or any other holiday, they'll be a family favorite on the dessert tray! #cookies #christmas #dessert #baking

FAQ’s

Do snowball cookies have another name?

Yes, depending on where you live, these cookies may be called a different name. I’ve seen them referred to as Mexican wedding cookies, Italian wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, etc.

Why did my cookies flatten out?

A small amount of flattening is normal, especially on the bottom where the dough is in contact with the baking sheet, but they shouldn’t sink down to a disc shape. That is likely because of one or two things. Too much butter will cause flattening, so make sure you’re measuring exactly. It can also be that your dough needs to chill a little bit. Everyone keeps their home at a different temperature, so if you’re worried, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes.

Why are there two coats of powdered sugar?

Because the cookies are rolled in the first coat when they’re still warm, the sugar will absorb over time. I find the second coat of the sugar gives them that truly snowball appearance.

Making snowball cookies ahead of time

The holidays are a crazy busy time, so I completely understand wanting to make treats ahead of time. The good news is, you can.

However, if you make them ahead of time, I advise doing the second coating of powdered sugar right before serving. Over time, the cookies will absorb the powdered sugar.

stack of snowball cookies with the top cookie bitten in half to show the inside

Storage

Cooled snowball cookies should be stored in an airtight container, at room temperature, lined with a paper towel for up to 2 weeks. 

Freezing

These cookies can also be frozen! Once the cookies have been rolled in 1 coat of powdered sugar and cooled completely, they should be placed on a lined baking sheet and frozen for 1-2 hours, or until frozen solid.

Then the cookies can be transferred to a freezer-safe container, labeled with the date, and frozen for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator, then set out to warm to room temperature, roll in powdered sugar and serve.

More Holiday Dessert Recipes:

7 layer bar with bite taken out of it
Christmas Layer Bars
eggnog snickerdoodle cookies
Eggnog Snickerdoodle Cookies
andes mint cookies
Andes Mint Cookies
crockpot candy
Crockpot Candy
cookie scoop

My Favorite Cookie Scoop!

Cookie scoops are the most versatile kitchen tool… you can use them for cookies, meatballs, ice cream, and more! This scoop is the exact size you’ll need for these cookies!

Get on amazon

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

pile of snowball cookies on plate

Snowball Cookies Recipe

4.97 from 28 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Calories: 192
Servings: 18 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
Snowball cookies are a classic holiday dessert made with simple ingredients, are buttery, nutty, and just melt in your mouth. Perfect for Christmas, or any other holiday, they'll be a family favorite on the dessert tray!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup pecan halves or pieces
  • 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

For rolling

  • additional powdered sugar (about a cup or so)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Chop pecans until they're nice and small (I like to use my food processor for this, but you can use a knife if you prefer).
  • In a mixing bowl, add the flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir and set aside.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, add butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until creamy, a few minutes.
  • Add the flour mixture from step 3, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well on low speed after each addition, until all flour mixture is added with no flour streaks remaining.
  • Use a cookie scoop to scoop 1 inch balls of dough and roll them in your hands to be evenly round. Add balls of dough to prepared baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch in between each ball.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  • Remove baking sheet from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 4-5 minutes.
  • While the cookies are cooling slightly, add additional powdered sugar to a shallow bowl. Roll the cookies, one by one, in the powdered sugar, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.
  • Once completely cooled, roll in powdered sugar again, then serve or store.

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

  • Recipe makes approximately 18-24 cookies.

Storage

Cooled snowball cookies should be stored in an airtight container, at room temperature, lined with a paper towel for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing

Once the cookies have been rolled in 1 coat of powdered sugar and cooled completely, they should be placed on a lined baking sheet and frozen for 1-2 hours, or until frozen solid.
Then the cookies can be transferred to a freezer-safe container, labeled with the date, and frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator, then set out to warm to room temperature, roll in powdered sugar and serve.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

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4.97 from 28 votes

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Recipe Rating




  1. Carol Miller says

    Posted on 12/30 at 2:59 pm

    Easy and love them! Perfect winter cookie looking just like a snowball.

    Reply
  2. Lynne Bulger says

    Posted on 12/9 at 3:24 pm

    Why are my balls flattening in the oven?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/11 at 9:27 pm

      This question is covered in the FAQ section of the post above the recipe.

      Reply
  3. Deborah says

    Posted on 12/9 at 9:47 am

    Have look threw my recipes cood not find one that was diffent. Until came across yours. I will update my cookies.

    Reply
  4. Janice harper says

    Posted on 11/14 at 11:47 am

    I don’t have a hand mixer can I make the dough in my stand mixer?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 3:49 pm

      Absolutely 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rhonda Luker says

    Posted on 1/16 at 7:31 am

    These are so good! They are a hit with the family. 5 stars!

    Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    Posted on 12/22 at 11:46 pm

    My first time making them for someone who loves these cookies-they were very pleased-Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  7. Jayna says

    Posted on 12/22 at 3:57 pm

    I can’t believe I waited this long to try to bake these

    Delish and pretty easy!!!

    Reply
  8. Judi says

    Posted on 12/19 at 2:11 pm

    OMG these remind me of the Christmas cookies my Mom used to make. Just love your step by step instructions and ideas (like toasting the pecans). Many thanks for posting such a delicious recipe.

    Reply
  9. Lorraine says

    Posted on 12/18 at 9:11 am

    I made there followed the recipe exactly and they turned out awesome.

    Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    Posted on 12/16 at 1:52 pm

    I’m going to try these as is and like them just fine. I CAN NOT believe some of these comments. WTAF. If you can’t have sugar, don’t eat cookies.

    Reply
  11. Jodi says

    Posted on 1/2 at 11:48 am

    Any adjusted amts for high altitude?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 1/2 at 1:45 pm

      Unfortunately I live at a much lower elevation, so I don’t have experience with high altitude baking. This is a great resource on the subject though https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/resources/high-altitude-baking

      Reply
  12. Terri Burton says

    Posted on 12/20 at 9:35 am

    I need the recipe, amounts and cooking time

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/20 at 9:39 am

      That’s all contained in the full recipe you scrolled past to leave a comment.

      Reply
  13. Gale Windish says

    Posted on 12/19 at 12:08 pm

    I don’t have pecans, will walnuts do?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/19 at 9:43 pm

      Yes, that will work just fine 🙂

      Reply
  14. Anna says

    Posted on 12/16 at 5:44 pm

    Can I use Almond Flour ?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/17 at 9:22 pm

      I’ve only tested this recipe as written. So without testing and retesting it myself, I can’t say for certain if that would work. If you try it, I’d love to know how it turns out!

      Reply
  15. jana maguire says

    Posted on 12/11 at 9:48 pm

    Delicious!!

    Reply
  16. Ruby Adams says

    Posted on 12/6 at 6:17 pm

    I make them every Christmas along side basic shortbread, chocolate chip and peanut butter, a hit every year.

    Reply
  17. Yadira says

    Posted on 12/6 at 9:29 am

    My kids and I are allergic to nuts. What other ingredient can I replace it with. BTW I subscribed can’t wait to browse through it.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/6 at 9:55 am

      Thank you for subscribing! I’ve never tested these with no nuts, but I have seen some other nut-free snowball cookies that looks like they just omitted the nuts without replacing them with anything, and it turned out well https://flavorpalooza.com/nut-free-snowball-cookies/ Keep in mind I haven’t tested this.

      Reply
  18. Chris says

    Posted on 12/5 at 9:59 am

    Looks delicious

    Reply
  19. RODNEY PORTER says

    Posted on 12/4 at 6:35 pm

    I’m going to give this recipe a go. Looks like they would be delicious. I love pecans, heck anything sweet. U know how diabetics crave them sweets. Do u make sugar free recipes too?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/4 at 10:21 pm

      I don’t currently develop sugar free recipes, but it’s always a possibility in the future 🙂

      Reply
  20. Cheri Morris says

    Posted on 12/4 at 1:34 pm

    Making 13 dozen next week for my Christmas cookie exchange. Can I double the recipe without Compromising on taste.?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 12/4 at 10:26 pm

      Yes, you should be able to double this recipe just fine 🙂

      Reply
      • Katey says

        Posted on 11/8 at 6:07 pm

        They are amazing. My only issue was I couldn’t roll into balls. The dough crumbled. I added some more butter. Any idea why?

        Reply
        • The Chunky Chef says

          Posted on 11/8 at 8:25 pm

          So glad you love the flavor! It could be that you needed a bit less flour. The amount of flour needed in baking recipes does vary slightly based on elevation, humidity, etc.

          Reply
    • Lucinda Williams says

      Posted on 12/5 at 4:51 pm

      Add a piece of chocolate in the middle kicks the wow factor up I use chocolate stars but I bet you can use kisses just as well

      Reply
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