Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking

Few cookies scream the holidays quite like Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies. Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these tender, buttery cookies are studded with finely chopped nuts and rolled in powdered sugar, creating a festive, snow-like appearance perfect for holiday gatherings.

These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth soft, with a slightly nutty flavor that balances the richness of the butter. They’re simple enough for beginner bakers yet elegant enough to impress at cookie exchanges, family parties, or as gifts in holiday tins.

What makes snowball cookies so delightful is their combination of textures: the slightly crisp outer layer gives way to a delicate, buttery center, finished with a sweet dusting of powdered sugar that looks like freshly fallen snow. With every bite, they deliver classic, nostalgic holiday magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Holiday Favorite
A traditional cookie for Christmas and winter festivities.

2. Buttery & Nutty
Rich flavor with a soft, crumbly texture.

3. Easy to Make
Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

4. Perfect for Gifting
Beautiful in tins or cookie platters.

5. Crowd-Pleasing
Loved by kids and adults alike.

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in finely chopped nuts evenly.
7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
10. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, then cool completely and roll again for a snowy coating.
11. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies

Tender, buttery cookies studded with nuts and coated in powdered sugar — a timeless holiday treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 110

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar plus extra for coating
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 1 cup finely chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, or almonds

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets.
2. Cream butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix.
4. Whisk flour and salt together.
5. Gradually mix dry ingredients into butter mixture.
6. Fold in finely chopped nuts.
7. Form 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets.
8. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
9. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, then cool and roll again.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to a week. Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.