If you’ve ever longed for a cookie that melts in your mouth and brings a comforting burst of nutty sweetness with every bite, you’re going to absolutely love the Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful little treats, sometimes called Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, have a tender, buttery crumb packed with toasted pecans and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar that looks just like fresh snow. They’re the perfect combination of rich flavor and delicate texture that make every occasion feel special, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon with tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each component is essential, contributing to the cookie’s delicate crumb, nutty flavor, and irresistible sweetness.
- Pecan halves or pieces: Toasted and chopped finely, these add a rich, buttery crunch that is signature to the cookie.
- All purpose flour: The foundation that holds the cookie together with just the right crumbly texture.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for a creamy, tender dough with unbeatable richness.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, fragrant notes that deepen the overall flavor.
- Almond extract: Just a hint to complement the pecans and make these cookies truly unique.
- Powdered sugar: Used both in the dough and as a final coating, lending a delicate sweetness and a snowy finish.
How to Make Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pecans
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. While waiting, chop your pecans finely. A quick whirl in the food processor makes this easy, but a sharp knife and a little patience work just as well. This step is important to ensure a tender, even texture so you don’t have large chunks disrupting the cookie’s delicate crumb.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, kosher salt, and chopped pecans. Stir these dry ingredients together and set the mixture aside for now. This prepares the nutty, salty base your butter mixture will blend into.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla and almond extracts, and half a cup of powdered sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth—this will create the luscious base that gives your cookies their wonderful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture, about half a cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid flour explosions! Keep mixing until the dough comes together with no visible streaks of flour. This slow incorporation is key to keeping the dough tender yet sturdy enough to hold its shape during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form one-inch balls of dough. Roll each ball gently between your palms to create smooth spheres, then place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving an inch of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the cookies look just lightly golden on the edges—any longer and you risk losing that delicate texture.
Step 6: Cooling and Rolling in Sugar
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a bowl filled with powdered sugar. Roll each warm cookie thoroughly in the sugar; this first coating melts slightly into the warm surface and forms a sticky base for the second sugary coat later. Once cooled completely on a wire rack, roll the cookies again for that signature snowball look and texture.
How to Serve Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning just dusted with powdered sugar, you can elevate their presentation by gently sprinkling a few finely chopped pecans on top right after the final sugar roll. This adds a bit of extra texture and a beautiful visual contrast that’s inviting and festive.
Side Dishes
Classic Snowball Cookies shine alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee, their buttery sweetness a perfect match for any warm beverage. If serving at a party, consider pairing them with a tangy cranberry relish or a dollop of whipped cream to cut through the richness and add a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon for a charming gift, or arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly to celebrate the holiday spirit. Another fun idea is to sandwich them with a thin layer of chocolate ganache for a luscious twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Classic Snowball Cookies have completely cooled and been coated with powdered sugar, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Lining the container with a paper towel helps absorb any moisture and keeps your cookies fresh and perfectly crumbly for up to two weeks—though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these delightful cookies. After a first roll in powdered sugar and once fully cooled, arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 to 2 hours. Then transfer them to a labeled, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature, roll them again in powdered sugar, and delight in their fresh taste months later.
Reheating
While snowball cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, gently warm them in a low oven for just a few minutes. Be careful not to heat too long or they’ll lose their tender crumb. Freshly warmed, they melt even more luxuriously on the tongue.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives, giving the cookies their nutty crunch while subtly changing the flavor profile. Just toast and chop the nuts finely for the best texture.
Why do the cookies need two rolls in powdered sugar?
The first roll while the cookies are warm helps the sugar adhere and slightly melt into the surface, creating a sticky base. The second roll after cooling ensures a lovely snow-dusted finish and an extra sweet bite every time.
Is it necessary to use both vanilla and almond extract?
While you could use just vanilla, adding a bit of almond extract complements the pecans perfectly and adds a wonderful depth of flavor that makes these cookies truly special.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time can even enhance the flavors. Just bring the dough back to room temperature before shaping.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not too warm, and chill the dough slightly if it feels too soft. Proper spacing on your baking sheet also allows the cookies room to bake without merging together.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe a try because it’s the kind of treat that brings instant warmth and joy. These simple yet incredibly satisfying cookies are a testament to how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something truly magical and memorable. Whether for a holiday celebration, a gift, or a cozy bite with your afternoon coffee, these snowball cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18-24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty treats coated in powdered sugar, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delicate blend of vanilla and almond flavors. These charming cookies are perfect for holidays or any occasion that calls for a sweet, festive dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pecan halves or pieces
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dough)
For Rolling
- Additional powdered sugar (about 1 cup or so)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Pecans: Chop the pecans finely using a food processor or knife to incorporate evenly into the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and chopped pecans; stir well and set aside.
- Cream Butter and Flavorings: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with vanilla extract, almond extract, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about a few minutes.
- Combine Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated with no flour streaks.
- Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to form 1-inch balls of dough, then roll them between your hands to make them evenly round. Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden but not browned.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on it for 4-5 minutes to set before handling.
- First Sugar Coating: Pour additional powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each cookie gently in the powdered sugar one by one, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Final Sugar Coating: Once the cookies have fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to create a classic snowball appearance. Serve immediately or store as desired.
Notes
- Cookie yield is approximately 18-24 cookies depending on size.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature with a paper towel lining for up to 2 weeks.
- To freeze, after rolling cookies once in powdered sugar and fully cooling, freeze them on a lined baking sheet until solid (1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen cookies in the refrigerator, bring to room temperature, re-roll in powdered sugar before serving.
- Ensure butter is fully softened for easier creaming and proper dough consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
