There’s something magical about Snowball Cookies—they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious, coated in a blanket of powdered sugar, and so simple to make. With just three basic ingredients, these cookies are perfect for when you want a quick yet impressive treat. They’re an absolute classic during the holidays but honestly, who wouldn’t want these all year round?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Whether you like them plain or packed with nuts like pecans or pistachios, they always come out perfect. The dough itself is buttery and rich, creating a soft cookie that crumbles gently with every bite. Rolling them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm gives them that iconic snowy look and an extra layer of sweetness.
These cookies are also great for sharing. Make a batch to gift during the holidays, bring them to a potluck, or keep them at home for your family to enjoy. They’re quick to whip up, freeze beautifully, and always bring a little joy to anyone who takes a bite. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- Optional: 1/2 cup pecans or pistachios (leave them out if you prefer plain cookies!)
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Butter
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture. Soft butter creams more easily, creating a light and fluffy dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar and the softened butter. Beat on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Stop to scrape down the sides if needed.
Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. If the dough isn’t coming together, increase the speed to medium for a few seconds. Stop mixing as soon as the dough is smooth. If you’re using nuts, fold them into the dough by hand now.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Step 4: Preheat & Prepare
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5: Shape & Bake
Scoop out 1-tablespoon-sized portions of dough using a cookie scoop or a kitchen tablespoon. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 6: Roll in Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for 8 minutes on the baking sheets. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated. Let them cool completely on the counter. If you like, you can roll them in powdered sugar again once cooled for an extra snowy finish.
Storage & Tips
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if freezing ahead.
- Pro Tip: If the powdered sugar coating fades while storing, just roll the cookies in sugar again before serving to refresh their look.
Enjoy your buttery, sweet, and oh-so-delicious Snowball Cookies! They’re simple, classic, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. 😊
