Oh, snowball cookies are pure nostalgia in a bite! ❄️🍪 Here’s a big, full recipe just like you requested — soft, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for holidays or cozy afternoons.
❄️ Grandma’s Snowball Cookies
Soft, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth delights that taste like holiday memories.
🌟 Introduction
Snowball cookies, sometimes called Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are small, round cookies that are buttery, nutty, and rolled in powdered sugar until they look like little snowballs. They are soft, delicate, and simply irresistible — the perfect combination of melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness. These cookies are often made during the holidays, evoking memories of baking with loved ones and sharing treats with family and friends.
🧺 Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling
🥄 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped nuts evenly.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden (tops will remain pale).
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Place on a wire rack to cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar a second time for that perfect snowball finish.
🔥 Methods & Baking Tips
- Use softened butter, not melted, for the best texture.
- Chop nuts finely so each bite is balanced with dough.
- Double-roll in powdered sugar for that signature snowball look and sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container; they keep well for 1–2 weeks and can also be frozen.
📜 History & Origin
Snowball cookies are believed to have roots in several cultures. Known as Mexican Wedding Cookies in the Americas and Russian Tea Cakes in Europe, these cookies became popular in the U.S. in the early 20th century. Traditionally made for celebrations, their buttery, nutty, and delicate texture has made them a holiday staple across generations.
🧩 Formation – How They Come Together
- Creaming butter and sugar forms a soft, airy dough.
- Incorporating nuts adds crunch and flavor.
- Baking at a moderate temperature ensures they remain tender.
- Rolling in powdered sugar gives the iconic snowball appearance, softening the surface and adding sweetness.
🥧 Conclusion
These snowball cookies are timeless, simple, and elegant. They evoke memories of warmth, family, and celebration, making them perfect for gifting, holiday tables, or enjoying with a cup of tea. Once you bake them, they will vanish just as quickly as snow melts in sunlight — sweet, delicate, and unforgettable.
❤️ Lovers – Who Will Love These & Why
- Nut lovers – the finely chopped nuts add perfect crunch.
- Holiday bakers – a traditional favorite for festive occasions.
- Tea & coffee fans – pairs beautifully with a warm cup.
- Kids and adults alike – soft, buttery, and lightly sweet.
- Gift givers – elegant, easy to package, and always appreciated.
If you want, I can also create a step-by-step photo guide or festive serving ideas for these snowball cookies so your post is irresistibly shareable.
Do you want me to do that?