Here’s a full, detailed recipe write-up for Snowball Cookies (also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Butterballs). I’ve included everything you asked for: introduction, history, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, methods, benefits, nutrition, and a warm conclusion with “lovers” of this recipe.
❄️ Snowball Cookies Recipe – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Classics
📝 Introduction
Snowball Cookies are a timeless treat that have been loved for generations. Known for their delicate, buttery texture and their signature dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies literally melt in your mouth. They’re especially popular around the holidays—Christmas, weddings, and tea gatherings—but their appeal lasts all year. Soft on the inside, slightly nutty, and coated in sweet powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs on your dessert table.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (real butter is essential)
- 1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, divided (1/2 cup for dough, 1 cup for rolling)
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but traditional)
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter with ½ cup confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually stir in flour, salt, and nuts (if using) until dough comes together.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden (tops should remain pale).
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar.
- Let them cool completely, then roll again in the remaining sugar for that perfect snowy coating.
🥄 Methods & Tips
- Double Rolling: The first sugar coating sticks better when cookies are warm; the second gives them that dreamy snowball look.
- Nuts or No Nuts: Traditional recipes use pecans or walnuts, but nut-free versions are equally delicious.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully.
📜 History
Snowball Cookies have traveled the world under different names:
- Mexican Wedding Cookies in Mexico and Latin America
- Russian Tea Cakes in Eastern Europe
- Butterballs in the United States
The origins trace back centuries, with roots in European shortbread-style cookies. Their buttery richness and simplicity made them easy to adapt across cultures. Today, they remain a holiday classic worldwide.
🌟 Benefits
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples, nothing fancy.
- Holiday-Perfect: Festive, snowy look for Christmas platters.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to roll, coat, and eat!
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, swap nuts, or flavor with almond extract.
🏗 Formation
Snowball Cookies are formed from a shortbread-style dough, rolled into balls, baked, and coated in sugar. Their rounded shape and snowy coating make them instantly recognizable.
❤️ Lovers of Snowball Cookies
- Holiday bakers love their festive charm.
- Kids adore their powdered sugar coating (and messy fingers).
- Tea drinkers pair them with coffee or tea.
- Nostalgic hearts cherish them as a family tradition passed down through generations.
🍽 Nutrition (per cookie, approx. 1 of 36)
- Calories: ~110
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fiber: <1 g
(Values vary depending on nuts and exact ingredients used.)
🎀 Conclusion
Snowball Cookies are more than just sweets—they’re memories baked into every bite. Whether you grew up eating them at Christmas, discovered them at a wedding, or are just trying them for the first time, they bring comfort and joy. Soft, buttery, and snowy with sweetness, they’re loved across cultures and generations. ❄️🍪
Would you like me to also give you a festive variation list (like chocolate-dipped snowballs, almond snowballs, or lemon zest snowballs) so you can keep this recipe fresh and fun each year?