Melt-in-Your-Mouth Snowball Cookies (Step by step)

This Snowball Cookies Recipe is the perfect holiday treat! Buttery, soft, and coated in powdered sugar, these classic cookies melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you know them as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, this easy recipe is a must-try!

These cookies have that rich, buttery texture, a slight crunch from finely chopped nuts, and a delicate sweetness that makes them completely irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients!

So, if you’re looking for a festive, nostalgic cookie that’s guaranteed to be a hit, let’s get baking!

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Ready to make the best Snowball Cookies Recipe? Follow these easy steps to create the perfect holiday treat!

1️⃣ Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step makes the cookies super soft and rich!

Mixing butter and powdered sugar for Snowball Cookie dough
Step 1: Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy

2️⃣ Add Vanilla & Dry Ingredients

Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly, but don’t worry—that’s exactly how it should be!

Sifting flour and salt into Snowball Cookie dough.
Step 2: Slowly add flour and salt to form a soft, slightly crumbly dough.

3️⃣ Stir in the Nuts

Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. The nuts give these cookies that classic delicate crunch.

Folding chopped pecans into Snowball Cookie dough.
Step 3: Stir in finely chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.

4️⃣ Shape & Bake

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until set but not browned.

Rolling Snowball Cookie dough into balls and arranging them on a baking tray.
Step 4: Shape dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
Snowball Cookies baking in the oven until set.
Step 5: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until set but not browned.

5️⃣ Roll in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Once fully cooled, give them one more coat for that signature snowy look!

Rolling warm Snowball Cookies in powdered sugar for the first coat.
Step 6: Coat the cookies in powdered sugar while warm to help the sugar stick.

 

Coating Snowball Cookies in powdered sugar for the second time.
Step 7: Once cooled, roll them again for that perfect snowy finish!

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:

💡 Chop Nuts Finely – The finer the nuts, the smoother the texture! A food processor works great.
💡 Double Coating is Key – The first powdered sugar roll sticks better when the cookies are warm, while the second coat gives them that extra snowy look!
💡 Make Ahead & Store – These cookies stay fresh for a week in an airtight container, and they freeze beautifully too!

Time to Enjoy!

These Snowball Cookies Recipe are a must-have for the holidays, but honestly, they’re so good, you’ll want to make them year-round!  Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, and watch them disappear in no time.

A plate of Snowball Cookies dusted with powdered sugar, ready to serve.
Enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth Snowball Cookies with a warm drink!

 

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Snowball Cookies


  • Author: Chef Lisa

Description

These buttery, soft cookies melt in your mouth and are coated in powdered sugar for a classic holiday treat. Also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, they are easy to make with just a few ingredients!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter & Sugar – Beat softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add Vanilla & Dry Ingredients – Mix in vanilla extract, then gradually add flour and salt. Stir until combined (dough will be slightly crumbly).
  3. Stir in Nuts – Fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts.
  4. Shape & Bake – Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, until set but not browned.
  5. Roll in Powdered Sugar – Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while warm. Once cooled, roll them again for a snowy finish.

Notes

  • Chop nuts finely for a smoother texture.
  • Double-coat in powdered sugar – the first coat sticks better while warm, and the second gives the perfect snowy look!
  • Storage – These cookies stay fresh for a week in an airtight container and freeze well.

1 thought on “Melt-in-Your-Mouth Snowball Cookies (Step by step)”

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating