Discover the delightful world of classic Snowball Cookies, a truly melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe uses just four simple ingredients, making it a dream for busy parents and beginner bakers alike. Often known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, these festive delights are a holiday baking essential. Prepare to achieve that signature tender texture and irresistible sugary coating with our foolproof guide. Get ready to bake a batch of these beloved snowball cookies today!
Food historians often note that the names “Mexican Wedding Cookies” and “Russian Tea Cakes” became popular during the Cold War. To learn more about the history of these beloved treats, explore resources like Wikipedia’s entry on Russian tea cakes, also known as Mexican wedding cakes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies
You’ll quickly fall in love with making and sharing these wonderful Snowball Cookies. They are incredibly simple to prepare, making them a perfect project for any baking level. This recipe requires minimal ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. These delightful cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even just a cozy evening at home. Enjoy their deliciously buttery and tender texture that truly melts in your mouth with every bite. Plus, this versatile recipe is easily adaptable for various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of these fantastic snowball cookies.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create these fantastic Snowball Cookies. Fresh, quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups flour (see notes for options)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans
- 1 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
Notes & Substitutions
- Flour: You can use all-purpose white flour for a classic result. For alternatives, try spelt flour, whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, or your favorite gluten-free blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour.
- Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans all work beautifully, adding a lovely crunch and depth of flavor. Ensure they are very finely chopped for the best texture. You can omit them for a nut-free version.
- Fat: Unsalted butter provides a rich, classic flavor. For a vegan option, use solid refined coconut oil, which delivers a similar texture without a strong coconut taste. Ensure your fat is properly softened for easy mixing.
- Sugar: Powdered sugar gives these cookies their delicate texture and ensures a smooth dough. If preferred, use a sugar-free powdered sugar alternative. You will need additional powdered sugar for the coating process.
- Flavor: Enhance your snowball cookies with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract for a marzipan-like note, or even a hint of peppermint extract for a festive twist.
Instructions
Baking these delightful Snowball Cookies is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for beginners! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Prep Steps
First, prepare your workspace for baking. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your cookies are ready to bake, promoting even cooking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Finally, ensure all your ingredients are measured out and ready to go, especially making sure your butter or coconut oil is properly softened to room temperature.
Making the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter or coconut oil with the ½ cup of powdered sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer, a hand mixer, or even a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease for this step. In a separate, smaller bowl, stir together the flour and the finely chopped nuts until well combined. Gradually add the dry flour and nut mixture to the wet butter and sugar mixture. Mix until all ingredients are just combined and a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing the dough.
Shaping & Baking
Take small portions of the dough, about one tablespoon each, and gently roll them between your palms to form uniform, bite-sized balls. Aim for consistency in size to ensure even baking. Place the shaped dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie. This allows them to spread slightly without touching. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden brown. The cookies should still look pale in the center.
Coating & Cooling
While the cookies are still warm from the oven, prepare an extra bowl filled with additional powdered sugar. Carefully remove the warm Snowball Cookies from the baking sheet and immediately roll them generously in the bowl of powdered sugar to coat completely. The warmth of the cookies helps the sugar adhere beautifully. Transfer the sugared cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can give them a second roll in powdered sugar for an even thicker, more pristine white coating. This second roll ensures a truly beautiful finish for your snowball cookies.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect Snowball Cookies every time with these helpful tips.
- Softened Fat: Always use softened butter or coconut oil. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, creating a tender, crumbly cookie texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and eggs if you add them to variations, are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even dough consistency.
- Chill Dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky to handle, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll the perfect snowball cookies.
- Do Not Overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture. They should remain pale with just slightly golden edges.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them. This prevents condensation which can make them soggy.
- Roll Twice: For the iconic snow-covered look, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, then let them cool. Once fully cooled, roll them a second time for an extra thick, lasting coating on your delightful snowball cookies.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
These versatile Snowball Cookies are a delight in any form!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a comforting treat. They are an absolute must-have for holiday cookie platters, adding an elegant, festive touch. Enjoy them as an everyday indulgence, or pack them for school lunches and work snacks.
Storage & Freezing
Store your baked Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you’ve made the dough ahead, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, tightly wrapped. For longer storage, freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies before or after the final sugar coating. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature. If you froze them baked and uncoated, roll them in powdered sugar after thawing.
Creative Variations
- Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts from the recipe for a delicious nut-free version of these snowball cookies.
- Chocolate: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Citrus: Include 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest in the dough for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Spiced: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of cardamom for a warm, aromatic cookie.
- Maraschino Cherry: Press a well-drained maraschino cherry into the center of each dough ball before baking for a sweet, colorful surprise.
Nutrition
These delightful Snowball Cookies offer a simple treat that can fit into various dietary considerations. Each serving provides a balanced mix of fats and carbohydrates, making them a satisfying indulgence. The added fiber and protein contribute to overall nutritional value. Enjoying these cookies in moderation is key to a balanced diet.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 cookie |
| Calories | 60 kcal |
| Fat Content | 3 g |
| Carbohydrate Content | 4.9 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.7 g |
| Protein Content | 0.9 g |
| Sodium Content | 24 mg |
FAQ
What are snowball cookies?
Snowball Cookies are small, round, buttery shortbread-like cookies often mixed with finely chopped nuts and generously coated in powdered sugar. Their distinctive white coating resembles freshly fallen snow, giving them their popular name.
What are other names for this recipe?
These beloved cookies go by many names, including Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Pecan Balls, or Butterballs. They are essentially the same delicious treat with regional variations in naming.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute unsalted butter with an equal amount of solid refined coconut oil or your favorite vegan butter alternative. Ensure your powdered sugar is also vegan.
Conclusion
Baking these delightful Snowball Cookies is truly a simple and rewarding experience for any home baker. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a batch of incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats that everyone will adore. These versatile cookies are perfect for starting a new holiday tradition or simply enjoying as a sweet anytime indulgence. Get ready to bake, share, and savor the magic of these classic snowball cookies! They are sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Snowball Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Cookie sheet
- wire rack
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (white, spelt, ww pastry, or Bob’s gf work)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or almonds or pecans finely chopped
- 1 cup butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar or sugar free powdered sugar
- powdered sugar or cocoa powder optional additional, for rolling
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Cream butter and powdered sugar, then combine with flour and nuts to form a dough. Shape into balls, bake on a cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar and cool on a wire rack.
- Nuts can be omitted if desired. Be cautious with flour and butter substitutions as they have not been tested and may alter the recipe outcome.
