Best Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the **Best Snowball Cookies Recipe**, you’ve just struck gold. I absolutely love how these cookies turn out—meltingly tender, buttery, and covered in just the right amount of sweet powdered sugar. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it is, yet how insanely delicious the results are. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because, this recipe never disappoints.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Best Snowball Cookies Recipe lies partly in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a key role, from the rich butter to the fine confectioners’ sugar that gives these cookies their signature snowy look.

• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter helps create a smooth, creamy dough. I always go for unsalted so I control the saltiness perfectly.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Essential both inside the dough and for coating; it melts into the cookie just right and dusts them with that snowball magic.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds that warm, cozy depth of flavor you can’t quite get anywhere else.
• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy—this keeps the cookies tender, not dense or dry.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and amps up all the flavours.
• Toasted pecans (optional): Finely chopped and toasted for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that my family has come to love.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Best Snowball Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I encourage you to play around with add-ins or tweaks to make these cookies uniquely yours.

• Nut-free option: I’ve made these without pecans when friends come over who have allergies, and they’re just as delightful without them.
• Chocolate lovers’ twist: Adding mini chocolate chips or dipping the cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate makes these irresistible for chocoholics.
• Spiced version: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dough adds a warm holiday vibe that’s super cozy.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup to keep the texture just right.

How to Make Best Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating your softened unsalted butter on medium speed for about a minute until it’s smooth and creamy — no lumps! Then add 3/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar and beat until the mixture is fluffy and combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl to get everything evenly mixed. This step is key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’ll love.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Flour

Beat in the vanilla extract until fragrant, then switch your mixer to low and slowly add the flour and salt. This part can look a bit dry at first—don’t worry! Once you’ve added all the flour, bump up the speed to high and watch the dough come together beautifully. If you’re adding pecans, mix them in last for that lovely crunch.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. When the dough’s been refrigerated longer than a few hours, give it about 30 minutes at room temperature before rolling—it’ll be stiff straight from the fridge, and this little trick makes shaping much easier.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Scoop out roughly 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and gently roll each into a ball. Place them on your baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between cookies. Bake for about 15 minutes, until the bottoms are a gentle golden brown and the tops just begin to show color.

Step 5: Sugar Coat and Cool

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then gently roll them in confectioners’ sugar while still warm—that first coating will melt slightly, creating a sticky base for a second roll once they’re fully cool. This double dusting is what makes these the best snowball cookies you’ll ever have.

How to Serve Best Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding just a little extra powdered sugar right before serving to keep that fresh snowball look. For holiday parties, a tiny sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can make them feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot chocolate, or even strong coffee. They’re also lovely alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert plate that impresses every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged my snowball cookies in little nests made from sprigs of rosemary or holly on a platter—that fresh greenery really brings out the winter vibe. I also love wrapping a few in cellophane tied with twine as edible gifts for friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. I usually line my container with parchment and layer the cookies to protect their delicate shape and keep the sugar coating intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transferred them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—add a couple extra minutes to the baking time. This is a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their fresh-baked magic after a day or two, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave brings that softness right back. Just be careful not to overheat, or the sugar coating can melt away too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Best Snowball Cookies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake year-round—and especially when the temperatures dip. Friends and family always ask me for the recipe because they’re so tender, buttery, and just irresistible sprinkled with that snowy sugar dust. I really believe anyone can nail this recipe with just a few simple steps, and you’ll enjoy them as much as I do, whether you serve them plain or jazz them up with pecans or spices. So go ahead, make a batch, and share the warmth!

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