Christmas Snowball Cookies

There’s something truly magical about biting into a soft, buttery cookie dusted with snowy powdered sugar, especially when it’s the holiday season. Christmas Snowball Cookies are the kind of treat that instantly sparks childhood memories and cozy feelings. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, nutty center, and powdered sugar finish make them a nostalgic and elegant addition to any festive table.

Behind the Recipe

These cookies have graced my family’s Christmas table for as long as I can remember. I used to sneak them off the tray before they even cooled down, licking the sugar from my fingers and savoring that buttery crunch. Whether they were tucked into cookie tins or piled onto plates for Santa, these snowballs always made the holidays feel complete. They’re simple to make, yet they carry so much tradition and love in every bite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Christmas Snowball Cookies, often referred to as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, have been enjoyed around the world for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to European nut-based confections, especially popular during celebrations. Over time, different cultures have adopted and renamed them, but the essence remains: a rich, buttery dough with finely chopped nuts, rolled generously in powdered sugar. Their snowy appearance is what makes them such a holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love Christmas Snowball Cookies

There’s a reason these cookies appear on holiday trays year after year. Let me show you why they’ll win you over too:

Versatile: You can swap out the nuts or add warm spices to make them your own.

Budget-Friendly: Only a handful of pantry staples are needed to whip up a batch.

Quick and Easy: The dough comes together fast and doesn’t require complicated steps.

Customizable: Go classic with pecans or experiment with walnuts or hazelnuts.

Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies disappear fast at parties and gift exchanges.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for baking in advance and storing in tins.

Great for Leftovers: If any remain (unlikely!), they’re just as delicious the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want your snowballs to be extra dreamy? Keep these tips in mind:

1. Toast the nuts: Lightly toasting pecans brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that really shines in the cookie.
2. Use softened butter: Room temperature butter blends more evenly, ensuring that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
3. Double roll in sugar: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar once while warm, then again once cooled for that perfect snow-covered finish.
4. Chill the dough: If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 20 minutes will make shaping easier.
5. Let them cool completely: This helps them hold their shape and keeps the sugar coating from melting.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy, just a few baking basics:

Mixing Bowl: For combining the dough ingredients.

Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter a breeze.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters in baking.

Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment for easy cleanup.

Cookie Scoop or Spoon: Helps keep the cookies uniform in size.

Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly before rolling in sugar.

Ingredients in Christmas Snowball Cookies

The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity. Just a few ingredients work in harmony to create this holiday classic.

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks) – Provides the rich, buttery base that holds the dough together.
2. Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup (plus more for rolling) – Adds sweetness and gives the cookies their signature snowy coat.
3. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Adds a cozy, aromatic flavor to balance the richness.
4. All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups – Forms the structure of the cookies without making them too dense.
5. Chopped Pecans: 3/4 cup – Adds crunch and nutty depth, giving each bite texture.
6. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to tweak the recipe a bit? No problem.

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter works too, just reduce the added salt slightly.
Chopped Pecans: Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts are all great swaps.
Powdered Sugar: Make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine.
Vanilla Extract: Almond extract adds a different twist if you prefer.
All-Purpose Flour: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work if needed.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chopped Pecans: These little bits add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that’s essential to the cookie’s character.

Powdered Sugar: Not only does it sweeten, but it also transforms the cookie into a wintery treat, perfect for the holidays.

Instructions for Making Christmas Snowball Cookies

Baking these cookies is like wrapping up warmth and joy into little powdered bites. Here are the steps you’re going to follow:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla. Gradually stir in flour and salt until well combined, then fold in the chopped pecans.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion dough into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Roll each dough ball between your hands to form smooth rounds. No need to flatten them, they’ll hold their shape.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
6. Finishing Touches:
   While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar and set on a rack to cool. Once completely cool, roll them again for that final snowy layer.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Stack them on a festive plate or gift box. Dust with extra sugar if needed and enjoy with a hot drink.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are all about contrast. The outside is tender and slightly crisp, while the inside is soft, crumbly, and loaded with toasted nut flavor. That powdered sugar melts on your tongue and balances the buttery richness. Trust me, they’re little bites of joy.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Making perfect snowballs is easier with a few handy tips:

• Always measure flour by spooning it into the cup, then leveling off. Don’t scoop straight from the bag.
• Roll the cookies while they’re warm so the sugar sticks better.
• Store them with parchment between layers to keep them looking perfect.

What to Avoid

Don’t worry, we’ve all made a few cookie mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overbaking: They should stay pale on top. Too long in the oven will make them dry.
• Skipping the double sugar roll: That second dusting is what makes them look so magical.
• Warm storage: These cookies can get sticky in heat. Store in a cool spot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 120

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Snowball Cookies are a baker’s best friend when it comes to planning ahead. You can make the dough a few days in advance and keep it chilled. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, and they freeze beautifully. Just defrost and give them a fresh roll in sugar.

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

These cookies shine on a holiday dessert tray, tucked into gift tins, or served with warm drinks like hot cocoa or spiced tea. Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or cinnamon for a little extra flair.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you have extras, try these tasty twists:

• Crumble over vanilla ice cream.
• Use as a topping for holiday parfaits.
• Blend into a crust for mini cheesecakes.

Additional Tips

• Let cookies sit uncovered for an hour to help the sugar coating set.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warmth.
• For gift-giving, stack cookies in clear bags with ribbon and a tag.

Make It a Showstopper

For a festive touch, place them in mini cupcake liners on a red or green serving tray. Dust with extra sugar right before serving for that fresh snowfall look.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough.
• Coconut Snowballs: Roll the cookies in shredded coconut after the first sugar dusting.
• Lemon Zest Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy note.
• Hazelnut Delight: Replace pecans with finely chopped hazelnuts.
• Spiced Snowballs: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and re-roll in sugar.

Q2: Do I have to use pecans?

Nope. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work great too.

Q3: Why did my cookies flatten?

Too much butter or not chilling the dough can cause that. Try chilling next time.

Q4: Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q5: Are these the same as Mexican Wedding Cookies?

Pretty much! Just a different name for a very similar cookie.

Q6: Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely, mini chips work best.

Q7: Why roll twice in powdered sugar?

The first coat sticks while warm. The second makes them beautifully white and snowy.

Q8: Can I skip the nuts?

You can, but it will change the texture. Try mini chocolate chips instead.

Q9: How long do they last?

Up to a week stored properly, or 3 months in the freezer.

Q10: Should I grease the pan?

No need. Parchment paper works best and makes cleanup easy.

Conclusion

These Christmas Snowball Cookies are more than just a holiday tradition, they’re a bite of comfort, joy, and sweet nostalgia. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them to guests, or sneaking a few for yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So grab your apron, warm up the oven, and let the snowball baking begin!

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