Snowball Cookies – Winter Wonderland Treats

A tray of Russian tea cakes for holiday

I never knew Snowball Cookies would become my favorite holiday treat. Growing up surrounded by real snow, these sugar-dusted cookies seemed like the perfect way to bring winter’s charm into the kitchen. Each bite is a sweet reminder of snowy adventures.

Snowball cookies are delightful bite-sized treats, characterized by their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are often dusted with powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance, which is how they got their name. 

Buttery pecan snowball cookies for Christmas

These cookies are traditionally made with simple ingredients: butter, flour, confectioners’ sugar, and often include nuts like walnuts or pecans. They can be found under various names across different cultures, including Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Kourabiedes, Butterballs, and Polvorones.

You’ll find these cookies in wedding festivities in Mexico, holiday gatherings in Russia, or Christmas traditions in European countries. Let’s experience a festive symphony that dances in your mouth. Here is how to make snowball cookies:

A tray of Russian tea cakes for holiday

Classic Snowball cookies

A perfect treat for winter festive occasions. Made with finely chopped nuts, butter, flour, and vanilla, then double-dusted in confectioners' sugar to create their signature snowy appearance.
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine European, Mexican
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus extra for coating
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
  • Stir in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned.
  • Allow the cookies to cool slightly. While still warm, roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar to coat them generously.
  • Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a snowy appearance.
Keyword Christmas dessert, gluten-free recipe, holiday recipe, Mexican wedding cookies, snowball cookies

How to store

1. Quick Storage (2-3 days):

  1. Let cookies cool completely
  2. Place in an airtight container
  3. Add parchment paper between layers
  4. Keep at room temperature

2. Longer Storage Options:

  • Refrigerator: Up to 6 days
  • Freezer: Up to 2 months

3. Storage Tips:

  • Use wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking
  • Store in a dry, cool place
  • Check for freshness before serving
  • Bring chilled cookies to room temperature before serving

⚠️ Note: If your recipe includes cream or fruit, always store in the refrigerator.

How to pair

1. Beverages: Snowball cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks. Their buttery flavor complements the cozy warmth of these beverages.

  • Spiced chai
  • Black tea with bergamot
  • Dark roast coffee
  • Hot chocolate
Mexican wedding cookies with matcha flavor

2. Dessert Platters: Snowball cookies are a popular choice for holiday dessert platters, often served alongside:

3. Fruit Pairings: Fresh fruits, such as berries or citrus slices, add a refreshing balance to the rich sweetness of snowball cookies.

Besides the old-fashioned snowball cookies, you can twist to make it more appealing.

1. Regional Versions

  • Mexican wedding cookies:
    • Vanilla-forward flavor profile
    • Higher ratio of pecans
    • More delicate, sand-like texture
    • Combine the warmth of gingerbread spices to make gingerbread Mexican wedding cookies
    • Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the dough to make chocolate Chip Mexican wedding cookies:
  • Russian tea cakes:
    • Walnut-based recipe
    • Slightly denser texture
    • Double coating of powdered sugar
  • European Polvorones
    • Spanish: Almond-based with olive oil
    • Italian: Pine nut variations
    • Greek: Walnut and spice combinations

2. Nutty Snowballs: Use different nuts like almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts to add a unique flavor profile.

Healthy lemon coconut snowball cookies for holiday
Lemon coconut snowballs

3. Flavor Enhancements: Infuse the dough with additional flavors by adding ingredients like:

  • Cocoa powder or chocolate chips
  • Matcha (green tea)
  • Citrus zest (lemon or orange)
  • Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom. These spices can add depth and complexity
  • Peppermint candies or peppermint extract for a refreshing and cool taste

4. Fruit Infusions: You can add dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, or apricots into the dough or as a filling for a sweet and tangy contrast.

5. Coconut Snowball Cookies: Elevate your cookies with shredded coconut, adding a tropical flair to the traditional snowy treat.

6. Snowball Grinch Cookies: This version is inspired by the character “The Grinch” from Dr. Seuss’s famous story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” These cookies typically incorporate green food coloring to give them a Grinch-like appearance.

7. Red Velvet Snowball Cookies: Add a touch of cocoa and a hint of buttermilk for a rich, velvety experience.

8. No-Bake Version is made with a blend of crushed graham crackers, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk, then rolled in powdered sugar for a heavenly treat.

9. Peanut Butter version: Introduce creamy peanut butter to the mix, creating a nutty and indulgent version of the classic snowball.

10. Brown Butter Snowball Meltaway Cookies: Incorporate brown butter into the dough, adding a nutty and caramelized depth to your snowball cookies.

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