Snowball Cookies

One chilly afternoon, I was in the kitchen with Alex when he said, "Mom, can we make those fun cookies that look like snowballs?" And just like that, Snowball Cookies became a household staple. These delightful little treats are perfect for sharing during the winter months, especially when we’re cozy inside avoiding the Manhattan chill. They're quick to whip up, loved by the whole family, and I love how they make the house smell just like a bakery. You can also try our Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies for a different sweet treat!

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Snowball Cookies

Why you’ll love this recipe

Snowball Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's simply irresistible. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to add a touch of festivity to your kitchen table. Plus, they involve minimal cleanup, so I can easily make them after a busy day.

Ingredients

¾ cup pecan halves or pieces
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ cup powdered sugar
Additional powdered sugar (about a cup or so, for rolling)

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Chop the pecans until they're finely diced.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Stir until evenly combined and set aside.
In another large bowl, beat together the butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and ½ cup powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the flour mixture, about ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until no flour streaks remain in the dough.
Use a cookie scoop to shape 1-inch balls out of the dough, then roll them into smooth rounds using your hands. Place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, just until they’re lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 4-5 minutes before handling.
While the cookies are cooling, fill a shallow bowl with additional powdered sugar. Roll each cookie in the sugar, then place it on a wire rack to finish cooling.
Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for that extra snowy look.

Recipe tips & variations

Feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. For a different flavor, you can swap the almond extract for more vanilla or add a dash of cinnamon. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping half of the cooled cookies in melted chocolate.

Storage & reheating

Store these sweet treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, but in my house, they rarely last that long! For longer storage, consider freezing them in a sealed bag – they can last for months. Just thaw them at room temperature before indulging.

FAQs

How do you make classic snowball cookies from scratch?

It’s all about a simple dough of butter, powdered sugar, and flour, mixed with your choice of nuts. Once baked, they're rolled in powdered sugar for that iconic snowy appearance.

Can snowball cookies be frozen for later use?

Absolutely! Just store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag, and they’ll keep for several months in the freezer.

Why do you roll snowball cookies in powdered sugar twice?

Rolling twice ensures that iconic snowy look and enhances the sweetness and visual appeal of each cookie.

How long do snowball cookies stay fresh after baking?

These cookies remain fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container, but they’re often eaten much sooner!

Recipes you may like

Try our Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies for a zingy alternative.
For something refreshing, indulge in the Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost.
Our Pineapple Green Smoothie is perfect for a healthy kickstart to your day.