Making Christmas cookies is a time honored tradition, and these snowball cookies are always a part of that! Tons of pecans and very few ingredients combine to make these easy cookies a must make.
Why this recipe works
We love that there’s only six ingredients needed and that they look so festive!
Snowball cookies fit perfectly into mini paper baking cups and look awesome in edible gift boxes.
Ingredients you will need
2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES
12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!
Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!
How to Make Snowball Cookies
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
- With mixer at low speed, beat in flour and finely chopped pecans until dough comes together and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls (about a level tablespoon, or you can use a cookie scoop). Place 1-inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake 16-18 minutes or until very lightly browned.
- Cool 5 minutes on pan then roll in powdered sugar while cookies are still warm.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar again when cool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Snowball cookie dough can be made up to three months ahead of time. Make up to the step right before rolling out the dough balls. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, then wrap in freezer paper and freeze until ready to bake. Thaw dough, roll into balls and proceed with recipe.
These cookies can be kept at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you need to store them longer, I do recommend freezing them. Cookies should be completely cooled before placing in an airtight container.
Don’t these cookies look so fun in our mailbox shaped cookie canister? Make a batch of snowball cookies for your holiday trays, to give as edible gifts, or to add to Santa’s plate!
More Christmas Cookie Recipes
- Thumbprint Cookies
- Homemade Gingersnaps
- Orange Crinkle Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Cornflake Christmas Wreaths
- Reeses Pieces Cookies
- Christmas Kiss Cookies
- Cherry Wink Cookies
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Snowball Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups finely chopped pecans
- Powdered sugar
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- These cookies can be kept at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Snowball cookie dough can be made up to three months ahead of time. Make up to the step right before rolling out the dough balls. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, then wrap in freezer paper and freeze until ready to bake. Thaw dough, roll into balls and proceed with recipe.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- In a medium bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract beat until incorporated.
- With mixer at low speed, beat in flour and finely chopped pecans until dough comes together and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls (about a level tablespoon). Place 1-inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake 16-18 minutes or until very lightly browned.
- Cool 5 minutes on pan then roll in powdered sugar while cookies are still warm.
- Allow to cool completely.
- Roll cookies in powdered sugar again when cool.
Nutrition
2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES
12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!
Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!
Amanda Davis
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Paula says
I made 2 batches of these, one with pecans, one without. They both turned out beautifully! My neighbors loved the ones without pecans and my family thought the ones with pecans were to die for! Thanks Amanda for another awesome recipe!❤
Tam says
We call these Russian Tea Cakes. It seems like every culture produces these with it own name for them. In Mexico they are wedding cookies. Great recipe, great cookie!