Snowball Cookies Recipe (2024)

These Snowball Cookies, otherwise known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are the perfect Christmas treat! Extra tender and buttery, they’re irresistible.

Snowball Cookies Recipe (1)

In This Article

  • Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe
  • What are Snowball Cookies?
  • Why This Recipe Stands Out
  • Key Recipe Ingredients
  • Substitutions And Variations
  • Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
  • How To Prep Ahead
  • Commonly Asked Questions
  • Did you make this?
  • Snowball Cookies Recipe
  • More To Bake And Eat

Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe

What are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are bite-sized balls of buttery cookies that are usually coated in powdered sugar. They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are often made with ground pecans or other nuts.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

Snowball Cookies (also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cakes) are by far one of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes, especially for large gatherings. Here’s Why:

  • Simple Ingredients: These cookies are made with just 6 ingredients, all of which are common kitchen staples that you may already have on hand.
  • Easy-to-Make: Snowball Cookies are so easy-to-make and take just one bowl meaning even easier cleanup.
  • Buttery: Since butter is one of the main ingredients of the base, these cookies boast that melt-in-your mouth, buttery goodness.
  • Pecans: We love the deep, nutty flavor that the freshly toasted and ground pecans add to these cookies.
  • Serves Many: This recipe makes 50 cookies! It’s the perfect dessert for gifts, potlucks, and parties. They’re party of our 25 Best Holiday Cookies.

Key Recipe Ingredients

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  • Butter – We like salted butter, as it eliminates the need to add any additional salt, and provides such great flavor. Make sure it’s room temperature, just soft but not melty. It should still be cool to the touch.
  • Powdered Sugar – This is both added to the cookie dough and used to make that snowy coating on the outside.
  • Pecans – Pecans are toasted, cooled, and ground before being added to the dough bringing amazing warm, nutty flavor.
  • Vanilla – We use a tablespoon of vanilla extract in this recipe for its perfect taste and amazing smell.

Substitutions And Variations

This super simple recipe is the perfect base for all the mix-ins. Check out some of our favorite variations:

  • Peppermint: For added festive flavor, try crushing up some candy canes to roll the cookies in. You could also add a dash of peppermint extract to the dough.
  • Chocolate: Give these Snowball Cookies a chocolatey twist my mixing the powdered sugar coating with some cocoa powder. You can also mix white, milk, or dark chocolate chips into the dough.
  • Nuts: You can absolutely play around with the kind of nuts you mix in. Instead of pecans, try roasting and grinding walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. You could even add macadamia nuts like we do in these White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies.
  • Coconut: We think toasted, shredded coconut would also be amazing in both the base and coating of these cookies.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

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  1. Beat butter in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until well blended. Add flour and nuts, beating until incorporated.
  2. Divide dough in half. Wrap each half in plastic and chill in fridge for at least 1 hour.
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  1. Whisk together remaining 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and cinnamon in a pie dish.
  2. Take out first half of chilled dough. Make 1-inch cookie balls, and arrange them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, 1 inch apart. Bake at 350F for 12-13 minutes.
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  1. Once cookies have cooled for 5-10 minutes, carefully toss warm cookies in the cinnamon sugar mix, coating completely. Place cookies on wire rack to finish cooling.
  2. Once fully cooled, re-coat each cookie in cinnamon sugar mix and serve. Repeat with other half of dough. Enjoy!

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

These cookies keep extremely well. So, they can easily be made in advance. The individual ingredients can also be prepped ahead. Here’s how:

  • Coating: The 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and cinnamon can be mixed together far in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
  • Pecans: One easy way to prep these cookies is to toast the pecans in advance. Once they’ve cooled, throw them in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Then, grind the pecans when you’re ready to bake.
  • Dough: Snowball Cookie dough can be frozen before baking. Just form the dough into balls like usual, flash freeze on a baking tray until hard, then transfer to an airtight container. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
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Commonly Asked Questions

Can you freeze snowball cookies?

Yes, you can freeze snowball cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Why are my snowball cookies going flat?

To really prevent your cookies from flattening, we recommend forming them into balls then pinching the sides so that they’re more oval-shaped and taller. If your cookies are still going flat, make sure you’re chilling your dough long enough and not swapping the powdered sugar in the dough for granulated sugar as this can make them spread out too.

Can I use pre-toasted pecans for this recipe?

You can use pecans that have already been toasted. However, we highly recommend toasting them yourself (even for just a few minutes) to get the best deep, warm, nutty flavor.

Why are my cookies dry and crumbly?

The dough for this recipe is supposed to be on the dry side. However, if the cookies are turning out dry after baking, it may be due to over-baking or over-mixing. Make sure your butter is soft to start with to make mixing easier and prevent over-mixing.

What do snowball cookies taste like?

Snowball cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a buttery flavor. You’ll also taste toasted pecans and vanilla. They’re delightfully sweet due to the powdered sugar coating but not overpowering.

Are snowball cookies the same as Mexican wedding cookies?

Yes, snowball cookies are often referred to as Mexican wedding cookies. The names are used interchangeably, and both refer to the same type of round, buttery cookie made of ground nuts and powdered sugar.

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

Snowball Cookies Recipe (10)

Snowball Cookies

5 from 13 ratings

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Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Russian Tea Cakes, are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 12 minutes mins

Chill Time: 1 hour hr

Total Time: 1 hour hr 27 minutes mins

Servings: 50

Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Beat butter in the bowl of an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 5-8 minutes. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until well blended. Add flour and nuts, beating until incorporated.

  • Divide dough roughly in half. Wrap each half in plastic and chill in fridge for at least 1 hour.

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Whisk together remaining 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and cinnamon in a pie dish.

  • Take out first half of chilled dough. Make 1-inch cookie balls, and arrange them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, 1 inch apart. Slightly pinch each ball so it stands taller and somewhat oval.

  • Bake cookies just until bottoms are light golden brown, 12-13 minutes. Cool for 5-10 minutes on sheet.

  • Carefully toss warm cookies in the cinnamon sugar mix, coating completely. Place cookies on wire rack to finish cooling.

  • Once fully cooled, re-coat each cookie in cinnamon sugar mix and serve. Repeat with other half of dough.

Notes

  • Make sure the roasted pecans have completely cooled before you grind them. Also, be sure not to over-grind as this will give you more of a paste rather than a course flour texture.
  • Don’t forget to roll your cookies in the powdered sugar mixture twice. The first layer will melt a bit, and the second layer will have that fluffy snow appearance.
  • Don’t skip chilling the dough! This is crucial to helping the cookies keep a round shape.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 65kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Mexican, Russian

Diet: Vegetarian

Method: Bake, Mixing

More To Bake And Eat

  • Buttery Shortbread Cookies – These cookies are tender, buttery and made with just 3 ingredients! Plus, they’re great for freezing or gifting.
  • Forever Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies – Thick, chocolatey, and supremely chewy, these chocolate chip cookies are unbelievably addicting.
  • Chewy, Soft Gingerbread Cookies – We love whipping up these extra soft and chewy gingerbread cookies every Christmas. They’re packed with that deep molasses flavor that we love.
  • Peanut Butter Blossoms – These cookies are so satisfying, and they’re gluten-free. We just love topping each one with that perfect Hershey’s kiss.
  • Twix Thumbprint Cookie Recipe – If you’re a Twix candy bar fiend, these cookies were made for you! Caramel and chocolate sit on an amazingly buttery shortbread cookie base making the perfect holiday treat.
Snowball Cookies Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why did my snowball cookies flatten? ›

Why did my snowball cookies flatten? The cookies will flatten slightly when baked, but they shouldn't flatten completely. If you skipped the chilling time, this may be why they spread. Another reason is if you place the dough on a hot baking sheet; if you have to reuse baking sheets, let them cool first.

How do you beat cookie batter? ›

Add the ingredients to the bowl, and begin beating using a metal whisk. Hold the whisk at an angle (roughly 45 degrees) to the bowl and spin your wrist in a circular motion, lifting the whisk up and out of the mixture then bringing it back down to the bottom of the bowl.

How do you get powdered sugar to stick to cookies? ›

The trick to the stick (ha!) is to roll them twice. Give the cookies their first coating when they are slightly warm. As the cookies cool, the confectioners' sugar will melt into them. (It tastes amazing.)

How do you fix cookies that didn't flatten? ›

Unfortunately, you can't fix the problem after the fact if you've baked a cookie recipe and the cookies didn't spread out enough as they baked. The edges have set and there's no going back. If they taste good nonetheless, you can still eat and enjoy them, or chop them up and add them to a batch of cookie ice cream.

What happens if cookie dough is overmixed? ›

Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough and dense cookies. It's essential to mix the ingredients just until they come together to avoid developing too much gluten.

What does overmixed cookie dough look like? ›

You may notice visible pockets of flour, streaks of butter, or uneven coloration. When overmixed, though, cookie dough will feel dense, greasy, heavy, and warm. It may be tough to roll out or work with, just like overmixed pie dough.

What thickens cookie batter? ›

Soft – Dough that's “soft” or “runny” can be thickened by adding one or two tablespoons of flour to your mix. This will help keep your batch from “Spreading” and coming out of the oven looking like flat, not-so-cookie-like puddles.

What happens if you use powdered sugar instead of granulated in cookies? ›

All levels of powdered sugar grind can be used interchangeably with each other in cookie recipes. But take note: powdered sugar is not to be substituted for granulated sugar or brown sugar, since the added cornstarch in powdered sugar changes cookie chemistry and texture.

What if I use powdered sugar instead of granulated in cookies? ›

It is not recommended to substitute powdered sugar for granulated sugar. Since powdered sugar has a much finer texture, and it contains a small percentage of cornstarch to prevent caking, substituting can give you unexpected results. Q.

Is it better to roll sugar cookies on flour or powdered sugar? ›

Be sure your dough is well-chilled and re-chill your scraps after they get warm before cutting into more shapes. This will help the cut-out cookies hold their shapes. Use Powdered Sugar. I strongly suggest you use powdered sugar instead of flour for rolling out the sugar cookie dough.

What is the secret to a good cookie? ›

The key is to always use top-quality ingredients as they'll result in a better cookie; it really is that simple.
  • Always use butter.
  • Choose the right sugar.
  • Choose the right flour.
  • Check your flour is in date.
  • Choose the right kind of chocolate.
  • Cream the butter and sugar.
  • Beat in the eggs.
  • Fold in the flour.

What not to do when making cookies? ›

15 Common Cookie Baking Mistakes You Might Be Making
  1. Your cookies aren't baking evenly. ...
  2. You use eggs straight from the fridge. ...
  3. You use the wrong kind of flour. ...
  4. You measure flour the wrong way. ...
  5. You soften butter too much — or not enough. ...
  6. You use stale baking powder or baking soda. ...
  7. You overwork the dough.
Nov 4, 2020

What can I add to sugar cookie mix to make it better? ›

You can add citrus zest, cinnamon, or almond extract to the dough. You could also ice them with a tasty frosting and add some nuts or toasted coconut. I already made lemon cookies but i don't think I added enough lemon extract they are tasteless.

Why did my cookies come out completely flat? ›

If your cookies consistently come out flat, you may have selected the wrong baking temperature. If you bake cookies using too much heat, the fats in the dough begin to melt before the other ingredients can cook together and form your cookie's rise.

Why did my cookies come out flat? ›

The Problem: Your Oven Is Too Hot

If your cookies repeatedly turn out flat, no matter the recipe, chances are your oven is too hot.

Why did my cookies turn out flat and crispy? ›

Flour adds fluff and texture to the cookies. Adding too little flour can cause cookies to be flat, greasy, and crispy. Most recipes assume you'll use all-purpose, but if you want a lighter, crumblier cookie texture, choose one with a lower protein content such as cake-and-pastry flour.

Why do cookies flatten as they cool? ›

You Used Too Much Sugar

Like butter, sugar helps cookies spread in the oven because it liquifies when heated. Too much sugar and not enough flour could lead to flat cookies. If your cookie recipe calls for a high ratio of white sugar, it's likely that your cookies will turn out flat.

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