Sure! 😍 The delicious powdered sugar–coated cookies in your image are known by many names around the world — Snowball Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Butterball Cookies. Let’s dive into a big, detailed recipe that includes everything you asked for — from history to lovers’ notes 💞
❄️ Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies / Russian Tea Cakes)
🌸 Introduction
Snowball cookies are melt-in-your-mouth buttery delights covered in a blanket of powdered sugar. These little round cookies are tender, crumbly, nutty, and perfectly sweet — like a snowy bite of heaven. They are often made during holidays like Christmas, weddings, and family gatherings because of their elegant look and delightful taste.
These cookies symbolize joy, celebration, and the simple beauty of homemade baking. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk, they are loved by generations all over the world.
🧂 Ingredients
For about 40 cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar (for dough)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 to 1½ cups (120–180 g) powdered sugar (for coating)
👩🍳 Instructions & Method
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in the finely chopped nuts. The dough will be soft and crumbly but will hold together when pressed.
Step 2: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into small balls.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden (the tops should stay white).
- Remove from oven and let them cool for 5–10 minutes.
Step 4: Powdered Sugar Magic ✨
- While still slightly warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar.
- Let them cool completely, then roll them again in powdered sugar for that perfect snowy finish.
🕰️ History of Snowball Cookies
These cookies have traveled across continents and centuries.
- In Russia, they are known as Tea Cakes and served with afternoon tea.
- In Mexico, they’re called Polvorones or Mexican Wedding Cookies, often made for weddings and holidays.
- In Italy, similar cookies are known as Biscotti di Noci.
The recipe likely originated from Middle Eastern nut pastries brought to Europe by traders, then evolved into these beloved cookies in many cultures.
🌿 Benefits of Snowball Cookies
- Natural Ingredients – Butter, nuts, and flour — no artificial flavors needed.
- Rich in Healthy Fats – Thanks to the nuts, which provide omega-3s and protein.
- Energy Boost – A perfect quick bite for energy and happiness.
- Long Shelf Life – These cookies store well and stay fresh for weeks in an airtight container.
- Mood Lifter – Sweetness and buttery aroma can instantly lift your spirits!
💫 Formation (Texture & Look)
- Round like little snowballs ❄️
- Soft, crumbly inside, with a light nutty crunch
- Coated evenly with powdered sugar for that snowy-white appearance
❤️ Lovers’ Notes
- Cookie lovers adore their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Nut lovers can experiment with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Romantic bakers often gift them wrapped in small boxes as “snow kisses.” 💋
🧁 Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~110 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 25 mg |
(Values are approximate and vary by nut type.)
🫶 Conclusion
Snowball cookies are timeless — a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and festivity. They symbolize love, care, and the joy of giving. Whether served at Christmas, a family reunion, or a romantic evening, they never fail to impress.
💕 For the Lovers of Baking
These cookies are a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create something magical. They’re not just cookies — they’re sweet little hugs from your oven. Bake them for someone you love, and you’ll share a moment that melts just like the cookie itself. 🍪💞
Would you like me to make a chocolate version or lemon-almond snowball variation next?