Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery treats dusted with powdered sugar that melt in your mouth. Perfect for the holidays or any time you craving a delicate, nutty cookie. They’re simple to make and versatile with flour and nut choices.

Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
- 1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Optional: additional powdered sugar or cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Step 2: In a medium bowl or stand mixer, beat together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and chopped nuts.
- Step 4: Gradually mix the flour and nut mixture into the butter and sugar until a dough forms.
- Step 5: Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a cookie sheet, leaving space between each.
- Step 6: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned.
- Step 7: While warm, roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar or cocoa powder to coat them.
- Step 8: Cool the cookies on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Variations
- You can omit the nuts if you prefer a nut-free cookie, but the texture will be different.
- Try different nut varieties like almonds or pecans to change the flavor.
- Use coconut oil as a dairy-free alternative to butter.
- Experiment with flour types listed, but avoid substitutions outside these for best results.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature. Reheat briefly in a low-heat oven if desired to restore freshness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the nuts entirely if you want a nut-free version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What flour types work best for this recipe?
White, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gluten-free flour blends are recommended. Avoid other flours or low-fat butter substitutes as they have not been tested with this recipe.
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Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
Description
Delicious and buttery Snowball Cookies, a classic treat featuring finely chopped nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar. These cookies offer a tender, crumbly texture and a subtle sweetness, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various flours and nut options, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and tastes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking these delicate cookies.
- Prepare Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat together until smooth and fluffy. This mixture forms the base of your cookie dough, contributing to its rich flavor and tender texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and finely chopped nuts of your choice. This step ensures even distribution of nuts throughout the dough.
- Combine and Form Dough: Gradually add the flour and nut mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing gently to form a cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix, which can affect the cookie texture.
- Shape Cookies: Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them spaced apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bottoms and edges are lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: When the cookies come out of the oven, immediately roll them in a bowl of powdered sugar (or cocoa powder if desired). This creates the classic snowball appearance and adds extra sweetness.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up and maintain their shape.
Notes
- Optional nuts can be omitted if you prefer nut-free cookies.
- Do not recommend substituting butter with low-fat spreads, as it may alter texture and taste.
- Various flours can be used, but the recipe works best with white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gluten-free flour blends.
- For an alternative coating, try rolling the warm cookies in cocoa powder instead of powdered sugar.
- Keep an extra bowl of powdered sugar ready for coating freshly baked cookies to ensure the best coverage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Snowball Cookies, Nut Cookies, Powdered Sugar Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Classic Cookie Recipe

