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Grandma's Classic Snowball Cookies
These sweet little snowball cookies take me right back to my childhood kitchen. That buttery melt in your mouth texture and the powdered sugar coating make them so special. With just 6 simple ingredients they're one of my favorite holiday treats to make. Every Christmas these are the first cookies to disappear from my cookie platters.
Memories in Every Bite
Making these cookies every Christmas has been my tradition for years. I remember standing on a chair helping my mom dust warm cookies with powdered sugar when I was little. Now my own kids help me make them each holiday season. These buttery shortbread bites are so simple but that's what makes them perfect. I always keep the ingredients on hand during the holidays because someone's always asking for another batch.
The Story Behind These Cookies
My family has always called these snowball cookies because they look just like tiny snowballs on the cookie tray. You might know them as Mexican wedding cookies Russian tea cakes or Italian wedding cookies. Whatever name you use they're those buttery nutty cookies rolled in powdered sugar that everyone loves.
What You Need
- Butter: Unsalted and softened just right grab an extra stick just in case
- Sugar: Regular granulated works perfectly
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla makes everything better
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the flavors
- Flour: Regular all-purpose measured carefully
- Nuts: I love using walnuts but pecans work great too
- Powdered Sugar: For that snowy coating
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Let's Make Some Magic
- Mix Your Dough
- Start by creaming your butter and sugar until it's nice and fluffy. Add vanilla and salt then slowly mix in the flour. The nuts go in last
- Chill Time
- Split the dough in half wrap it up and pop it in the fridge for about 45 minutes makes it easier to work with
- Get Ready to Bake
- Heat your oven to 350°F line your cookie sheets with parchment it makes cleanup so much easier
- Shape Those Snowballs
- Roll the dough into little 1 inch balls I use my cookie scoop to keep them all the same size
- Into the Oven
- Space them out on your sheets and bake for 12 to 14 minutes just until you see a hint of brown at the bottoms
- The Fun Part
- While they're still warm dust them with powdered sugar then again once they cool. My kitchen looks like it snowed inside but it's worth it
My Best Cookie Tips
The secret to perfect snowballs is measuring your flour right. I always spoon it into the cup and level it off never pack it down. Keep your cookies small about a tablespoon of dough each they bake more evenly that way. Watch them closely at the end they can go from perfect to too brown really quick. I love that moment when they're just starting to get golden on the bottom that's when they're exactly right.
Mix It Up
While I usually stick to walnuts because that's how my mom made them you can really have fun with different nuts. Sometimes I use pecans or almonds for something different. During Christmas I've even hidden little red and green M&Ms inside the cookies my kids go crazy trying to guess which color they'll find.
Keeping Them Fresh
These cookies stay perfect in an airtight container for about 4 days if they last that long at your house. I often make extra batches for the freezer they keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw them on the counter when you need them and maybe give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar to make them pretty again.
More Holiday Cookie Love
If these snowballs make you happy just wait until you try my other Christmas favorites. Those white chocolate oatmeal cranberry cookies are amazing and my hot cocoa cookies taste like winter in cookie form. Don't forget to try the peanut butter blossoms and peppermint kiss cookies they're always on my holiday baking list. My chocolate chip cookies with red and green M&Ms make everything feel festive.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why dust the cookies twice with sugar?
The first dusting while warm helps the sugar stick, while the second coating after cooling creates the perfect snowy appearance.
- → Which nuts work best?
Walnuts, almonds, or pecans all work well. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand. Just make sure they're finely chopped.
- → Why chill the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll into balls and preventing spreading during baking.
- → How do I know when they're done?
Look for light browning just around the bottom edges. Don't overbake or they'll be too dry.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze uncoated cookies up to 3 months. Thaw and roll in powdered sugar before serving.