Snowball Cookies

Rich and buttery, these classic Snowball Cookies are easy to make, and the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup!

When I was growing up, every Christmas we would receive an eagerly anticipated package from my grandmother. It was packed full with all of her famous Christmas cookies and treats, and we couldn’t wait to get them. These yummy Snowball Cookies were always included, and they’ve long been one of my favorites. This classic cookie is rich, buttery, melts in your mouth, and is the perfect addition to your holiday baking!

Snowball Cookies | Christmas Cookies

Christmas baking is the epitome of Christmas at our house. We love making all kinds of treats, like Santa’s Whiskers, Candy Cane Dippers, Chocolate Peppermint Cake Roll, and Easy No-Cook Fudge.

Some of my most beloved recipes come from my grandmother, including this one. She actually called these Walnut Crescents, and they were shaped into crescents, baked, and then rolled in the powdered sugar. Over the years we changed them to balls (easier for kids to help with), but however you shape them, they are fabulous! The rich, buttery dough doesn’t have any eggs, which makes them more like a shortbread cookie than other cookies, with a crumbly texture.  

The powdered sugar dusting makes them such a pretty cookie, and they’re perfectly perfect on any Christmas plate, treat plates, a cookie exchange, or neighbor gifts. Set them out for guests, bring them to a party, wrap them up for friends or teachers, or enjoy them in your own home…they’ll be a hit no matter where you serve them. They’re on our holiday baking day list, and hands down, they’re a favorite at our house. They will literally melt in your mouth, and the powdery outside makes them look just like snowballs. Best of all, they’re easy and quick to make!


Snowball Cookies | Christmas Cookies

Ingredients

The ingredients are few, but that’s all this cookie needs! I love how simple they are to make, and it doesn’t take long at all to whip up a batch. Do you have a tradition for the first day it snows? How fun would it be to make these cookies? My kids love helping with them–rolling and dipping in the powdered sugar. It’s a great cookie recipe to make with your kids or other family members on a baking day.

  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar (confectioners sugar)
  • Vanilla
  • Chopped walnuts

TIP: They’re also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, but those use pecans instead of walnuts. You could definitely substitute the walnuts for pecans in this recipe as well–whatever you have on hand, or your whichever you like best. I really love both, and it’s hard to choose a favorite, but since my grandma always used walnuts, that’s what I do as well.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper

Instructions

For a full nut flavor, toast walnuts before chopping and adding to the cookie dough. You can toast them on the stovetop over medium heat for 2-5 minutes, or in a 350 degree oven for 7-10 minutes. Check them often! They can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burned, so watch closely.

Beat butter and sugar together in large mixing bowl. You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer. Add flour and water alternately to the mixture. When combined, add the vanilla extract and toasted nuts. Shape the dough into balls, place on a cookie baking sheet covered with parchment paper.

Bake about 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Sift some powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) in a pie dish or on a cutting board.

Remove from cookie sheets, and place the baked cookies in the powdered sugar directly out of the oven, rolling to coat completely. Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

Store your cookies in an airtight container for 5-7 days. You can also freeze the cookies once they’ve been baked, rolled in powdered sugar, and cooled. If they’re warm, they’ll stick together, so just test to make sure they’re cool and at room temperature. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe gallon bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! I’ve used both, and they work equally well.

Is the only sweetener powdered sugar?

Yes, there is no granulated sugar in this recipe.

More Christmas ideas

Hey – you’ve made it this far, so now we’re pretty much best friends! If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to leave me a comment below, and a recipe rating! 🖤 Make sure you follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, too!

These cookies are my childhood…I LOVE them, and I’m excited for you to make them.  

Snowball Cookies | Christmas Cookies

Snowball Cookies

5 from 2 votes
Kierste Wade | Old Salt Farm
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
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Rich and buttery, these classic Snowball Cookies are easy to make, and the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup! (and anytime…)

Ingredients
 

Instructions

  • For a full nut flavor, toast walnuts before chopping and adding to the cookie dough. You can toast them on the stovetop over medium heat for 2-5 minutes, or in a 350 degree oven for 7-10 minutes. Check them often! They can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burned, so watch closely.
  • Beat butter and sugar together in large mixing bowl. You can use a stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Add flour and water alternately to the mixture.
  • When combined, add the vanilla extract and toasted nuts.
  • Shape the dough into balls, place on a cookie baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
  • Bake about 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
  • Sift some powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) in a pie dish or on a cutting board.
  • Remove from cookie sheets, and place the baked cookies in the powdered sugar directly out of the oven, rolling to coat completely.
  • Cool on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.

Notes

*If you can use pure vanilla, the flavoring will be even better! 
**Substitute chopped pecans instead of the walnuts if you prefer.

Recipe Equipment

Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
Course :Christmas Cookies, Christmas Recipes, Holidays
Cuisine :American, Christmas Cookies, Cookies, Dessert
Keyword :Christmas Cookies, Christmas Recipes, holiday baking, holiday cookies
PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER! @oldsaltfarm or tag #oldsaltfarm!

Originally posted 2018.

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