Christmas Snowball Cookies Recipe

Oh my gosh—these Christmas Snowball Cookies are pure magic. They’re buttery, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. Just like little bites of holiday joy!

We make them every year, and honestly, it never feels like Christmas without them. They’re super easy, super pretty, and everyone loves ‘em. Like, everyone.

If you’ve got butter, sugar, and some cozy vibes—you’re ready. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make a batch. You’re gonna love how they turn out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for the Holidays: These cookies are a classic Christmas treat, but they’re perfect for any winter gathering. They give a festive touch to dessert platters, cookie exchanges, and holiday gift baskets.

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like butter, flour, powdered sugar, and nuts, they come together quickly and easily without any special ingredients.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of powdered sugar and butter creates a meltaway texture that makes each bite irresistible.
• Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds, or experiment with flavor additions like vanilla or almond extract.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get into the ingredients and instructions, let’s make sure you have the right tools on hand to make these cookies.

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large bowl for combining ingredients and a smaller one for rolling the cookies in powdered sugar.
• Electric Mixer: While you can mix everything by hand, a hand mixer or stand mixer will save you time and effort, especially when creaming the butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Be sure to use accurate measurements to achieve the perfect texture.
• Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: A small cookie scoop or a spoon will help you form evenly-sized dough balls, ensuring consistent baking.
• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack is essential for allowing your cookies to cool down after baking, ensuring they don’t become soggy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Unsalted Butter: The base of the cookie dough, contributing to its rich, buttery flavor. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cookies and gives them a delicate texture.
• Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm, comforting flavor to the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the dough, providing the perfect balance of tenderness and crunch.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts: Traditional recipes use walnuts, but feel free to use pecans, almonds, or your favorite nut for a personalized twist.
• Additional Powdered Sugar: For rolling the cookies after baking to give them their signature snowy appearance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by placing the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the two ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The goal is to incorporate air into the dough, which helps create the light, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients

Once the butter and sugar are properly creamed, add in the vanilla extract. Beat again to combine. The vanilla extract adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with the nuts in the dough.

3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent flour from flying everywhere. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated, and the dough comes together in a soft, slightly sticky ball.

4. Fold in the Nuts

At this stage, fold in the chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pecans) into the dough. You can do this with a spatula or your hands to ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Chill the Dough

For best results, cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and ensures a more structured, bite-sized shape.

6. Preheat the Oven

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking these cookies so that they cook through evenly without browning too much.

7. Scoop and Shape the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon) using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll each portion into a ball between your hands to form a smooth, even shape. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

8. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. You want the centers to remain soft and slightly underbaked, as they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as they are delicate.

9. Roll in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar to coat them. This gives the cookies their signature “snowy” appearance. After they’ve been coated, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, roll them in powdered sugar again once they’ve cooled for an extra snowy finish.

How to Serve and Decorate

How to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies

These snowball cookies are perfect for serving at your next holiday gathering or adding to your festive cookie trays. They are light, buttery, and perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They also make wonderful gifts when placed in a decorative tin or box, making them ideal for Christmas cookie exchanges.

You can also add a little extra flair by decorating them with colored sprinkles, edible glitter, or even drizzling some melted chocolate on top for a more decadent treat.

Storing Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking together.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze very well. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar again if desired.

Nutrition Table

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 Cookie)
Calories	110
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	10mg
Total Carbohydrates	10g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	6g
Protein	1g

Variations for Christmas Snowball Cookies

• Flavored Extracts: While vanilla extract is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other extracts for a different flavor profile. Almond extract is a popular alternative and pairs beautifully with nuts. You could also try hazelnut, coconut, or even maple extract for a unique twist.
• Different Nuts: The beauty of snowball cookies lies in how versatile they are with nuts. You can easily swap out walnuts for your favorite nut. Try using pecans for a richer, slightly sweet flavor, or almonds for a lighter, crisper texture. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can omit them entirely, as mentioned in the first part, and still enjoy the delicious, buttery cookies.
• Add Chocolate Chips: While the traditional recipe doesn’t include chocolate, adding mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks is a fun twist. The chocolate melts into the dough during baking, creating a gooey, indulgent texture in every bite. This is perfect if you’re a chocolate lover!
• Sprinkles or Edible Glitter: For a festive touch, roll the cookies in colored sprinkles or edible glitter right after baking them. This will make your cookies sparkle and shine, adding a touch of holiday magic. You can also use a mix of silver and gold sprinkles for a sophisticated and elegant look.
• Add Dried Fruit: For a more complex flavor, you can add small pieces of dried cranberries or raisins to the dough. This gives the cookies a burst of tartness that contrasts nicely with the sweet, buttery base.
• Sugar Coating Variations: While powdered sugar is the traditional coating, you can experiment with cinnamon sugar or spiced sugar for an extra festive flavor. Try mixing cinnamon with powdered sugar, or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warm, cozy feeling.
• Gluten-Free Version: If you or someone you know is gluten intolerant, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of the regular flour. Make sure the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free (such as powdered sugar) to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
• Vegan Version: For a vegan alternative, you can swap the unsalted butter for vegan butter and replace the egg (if you add one) with a flax egg or applesauce. Ensure the powdered sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some may contain bone char.

Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Snowball Cookies

1. Use Softened Butter: Always use softened butter for the best results. Cold butter can lead to dough that’s too stiff, while melted butter can make the dough too runny. Softened butter creates the right consistency for the dough to come together properly.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it. This can make the cookies dense and tough. Mix until just combined. The less you handle the dough, the more tender and delicate the cookies will be.
3. Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 30 minutes (or longer) helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This step also prevents the cookies from spreading too much, which ensures they stay perfectly round. If you’re in a hurry, try popping the dough in the freezer for 15 minutes instead.
4. Bake on Parchment Paper: For the perfect texture and easy cleanup, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
5. Check for Doneness: The cookies should just start turning golden at the edges, but they’ll still be soft in the center. Keep a close eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking, which can cause them to become dry. If you’re unsure, err on the side of slightly underbaking—these cookies are meant to be soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
6. Roll Warm Cookies in Powdered Sugar: For the signature snowy coating, make sure to roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm but not too hot. This helps the sugar stick better. If they cool too much, the powdered sugar will just fall off, so be sure to do this step soon after baking.
7. Don’t Skip the Second Coat of Powdered Sugar: For an extra snowy effect, roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar again. This step helps ensure they have that iconic “snowball” look and extra sweetness. Plus, it adds to the festive vibe, making them perfect for Christmas or any holiday celebration.
8. Perfectly Even Cookie Sizes: To ensure your cookies bake evenly, use a cookie scoop. This tool helps you measure consistent dough portions, so all your cookies will cook at the same rate. Plus, it gives you a professional, uniform look.
9. Cool on a Rack: After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack to avoid condensation, which can cause them to become soggy. The rack ensures proper air circulation around the cookies, helping them maintain their texture.
10. Double the Recipe: Christmas snowball cookies are so delicious that they tend to disappear quickly! If you’re baking for a crowd, or simply want extra to share, don’t be afraid to double the recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Snowball Cookies

1. Using Too Much Flour: Be careful not to pack the flour when measuring. Too much flour can make the dough dry and the cookies dense. If you’re unsure, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid over-packing.
2. Not Chilling the Dough: While it may seem like a small step, chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. Don’t skip this step, as it can lead to cookies that spread too thin or become unevenly shaped.
3. Overbaking the Cookies: It’s easy to get distracted and overbake these cookies, especially since they don’t brown much. Set a timer and check them a minute or two before the recommended time to ensure they don’t bake too long. The cookies should be just lightly golden at the edges.
4. Rolling the Cookies in Powdered Sugar Too Late: If you wait too long to roll the cookies in powdered sugar, it won’t stick as well. Be sure to roll them in sugar while they are still warm, but not too hot, for the best coverage.
5. Overworking the Dough: The key to soft, tender snowball cookies is not overmixing the dough. Once the flour is added, mix it gently and just until combined to avoid tough cookies.

Storing Christmas Snowball Cookies

If you’re making snowball cookies ahead of time or have leftovers (which I doubt because they’re so good!), proper storage is key to maintaining their freshness and texture. Here’s how to store them effectively:

1. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to keep your cookies for up to a week, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps prevent them from becoming stale and keeps their texture soft. Make sure to line the container with wax paper to keep them from sticking together.
2. Freezing Snowball Cookies: Snowball cookies freeze wonderfully, making them the perfect make-ahead treat for the holidays. To freeze them:
   • Freeze Before Rolling in Powdered Sugar: If you’re planning to freeze your cookies, it’s best to freeze them before rolling them in powdered sugar. This helps preserve their delicate coating.
   • Lay the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours, until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
   • When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. After thawing, roll them in powdered sugar for that signature snowball look.
3. Storing After Coating: If you’ve already rolled your snowball cookies in powdered sugar, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. They should stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature. However, be careful when stacking the cookies, as the powdered sugar coating can be delicate and may rub off if they’re stacked too high.
4. Make-Ahead Option: If you’re preparing the dough ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Just let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Snowball Cookies

While Christmas Snowball Cookies are already perfect on their own, here are a few fun ways to elevate your enjoyment of them:

1. Snowball Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Take two snowball cookies and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or any flavor you prefer) in the middle to make a delicious ice cream sandwich. This is a fun, creative way to serve the cookies during the warmer months or as a special treat at your holiday gatherings.
2. With a Drizzle of Chocolate: For an added indulgence, melt some dark chocolate or white chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the cookies. The richness of the chocolate complements the buttery flavor of the cookies and gives them an extra decadent touch. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
3. In a Parfait: Layer crumbled snowball cookies in a dessert glass with whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for a festive holiday parfait. It’s a beautiful and delicious way to serve the cookies at a dinner party or special occasion.
4. Crumbled Over Yogurt or Pudding: Snowball cookies also make a great topping for desserts like Greek yogurt, rice pudding, or custard. Simply crumble a few cookies on top for a sweet crunch that complements the creamy texture.
5. As a Topping for Hot Chocolate: Crumble your snowball cookies over a hot mug of cocoa for a sweet, crunchy topping. The combination of rich chocolate and buttery cookies will take your hot chocolate to the next level.

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze uncoated cookies for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature and then roll in powdered sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve on a holiday cookie platter alongside other festive treats.
• Package in decorative tins for gifting.
• Pair with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a cozy treat.

Christmas Snowball Cookies FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts are traditional, but you can also use pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment!

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Yes! If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts and proceed with the recipe. The cookies will still be deliciously buttery and sweet.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just roll the dough into balls and bake when you’re ready.

Conclusion

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that are simple to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for sharing. With their buttery texture and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies capture the spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to get creative with the nuts or other flavor additions, and enjoy these little snowflakes of sweetness all season long!