Name: Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 39 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ¼ cups ground pecans; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons almond extract; 1 cup powdered sugar for coating

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that feels like a sweet, buttery hug in every bite, you’ve just found it with this Snowball Cookies Recipe. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich almond flavor, these Swedish heirloom cookies are a delightful treat that carry a timeless charm. Whether you call them Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these little bites of joy are perfect for festive occasions, gift-giving, or just a cozy afternoon nibble. Get ready to make a batch that will quickly become your new favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, creamy dough-like mixture that is off-white in color. The mixture looks soft and slightly textured with visible folds and swirls, showing it has been recently stirred or mixed. There is one main layer of this smooth, dense substance filling almost the entire bowl. The background is plain and bright, emphasizing the light tones of the dough. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients combine beautifully in this recipe, each playing an essential role in creating those tender, flavorful cookies. From the rich butter that adds lushness to the almond and vanilla extracts that give them their classic aroma, every component contributes to the magic of these snowball treats.

1 cup unsalted butter softened: The foundation of richness and smooth texture in the dough.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough delicately and dusts the cookies for that iconic snowy look.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.
1 ¼ cups ground pecans: Adds nutty depth and a subtle crunch; finely ground for softness.
2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure for these tender cookies.
1 large egg: Binds everything while adding a bit of richness and moisture.
2 tablespoons water: Helps bring dough together without making it too sticky.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting flavor.
2 teaspoons almond extract: Delivers the classic nutty, aromatic punch that defines Snowball Cookies.
1 cup powdered sugar for coating: The final snowy touch that makes these cookies so special.

How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Essentials

Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, setting the stage for perfect results.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Salt

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is key, creating a light base that will make your cookies wonderfully tender and melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 3: Add Nuts, Flour, and Egg

Mix in the ground pecans and flour, then incorporate the egg gently. The nuts provide a slightly coarse but soft texture that keeps the cookies interesting without losing their delicate crumb.

Step 4: Flavor and Moisture

Slowly add water, vanilla extract, and almond extract while beating the dough. These liquids bind everything together and introduce the traditional flavors that will transport you the moment you take a bite.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Shape the dough into small balls or crescent shapes using about half to one tablespoon of dough per cookie. Place them spaced evenly across the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until set but not browned.

Step 6: Powder with Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, roll them liberally in powdered sugar. This coating creates the signature snowy appearance and adds a lovely sweet finish as they cool.

How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe

The image shows two round cookies on a light brown paper surface with a white marbled texture underneath. One cookie is whole and covered in a thick layer of white powdered sugar, while the other cookie is broken in half on top of the whole one, revealing a crumbly, light brown inside with a rough texture. Scattered pieces of pecans in dark brown color lie around the cookies. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with more powdered sugar-covered cookies, and a soft pale pink cloth is visible next to it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are stunning on their own, but for a festive touch, dust a bit more powdered sugar just before serving. You can even add a light sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or edible glitter to elevate their presentation for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk. For a holiday spread, serve alongside spiced hot cocoa or mulled wine to balance their sweetness and celebrate the season with complementary flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these delicate cookies on a tiered tray for a charming dessert table centerpiece or package them in clear gift bags tied with festive ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts. Their snowy look makes them perfect for winter celebrations, weddings, or any joyful gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Snowball Cookies keep remarkably well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Be sure to store them in a cool, dry place to preserve their tender texture and signature flavor. If the powdered sugar coat seems light after storage, just dust them again before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first and freezing until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a treat, simply thaw at room temperature and re-coat with powdered sugar for that fresh look.

Reheating

If you prefer your Snowball Cookies a little warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (around 275 degrees) for 5-7 minutes. This softens them just slightly without melting the powdered sugar coating, making each bite even more comforting.

FAQs

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully in this recipe and will tweak the flavor slightly while maintaining the wonderful texture. Just make sure to grind the nuts finely for that perfect tender bite.

Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar when warm?

Rolling the cookies while warm allows the powdered sugar to stick better, creating their signature snowy appearance and giving a light sweet coating that enhances each mouthful. If you wait until they’re cool, the sugar won’t adhere as well.

Is it necessary to use both vanilla and almond extracts?

Yes, the combination of vanilla and almond extracts provides a layered, classic flavor that defines Snowball Cookies. Almond extract adds a nutty fragrance, while vanilla balances it with warmth and sweetness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Sure can! Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that bakes well in cookies. Keep in mind texture might be slightly different but the taste remains luscious and delightful.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Snowball Cookies are best enjoyed within one week. Beyond that, they may start to lose their soft texture but can still be enjoyed if refreshed with a short warm-up.

Final Thoughts

Making this Snowball Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little piece of sweet tradition into your kitchen. Each buttery, nutty bite is a reminder that the simplest ingredients and a little care create truly memorable treats. So don’t hesitate — roll up your sleeves, bake a batch, and share these beautiful cookies with friends and family who will cherish every snowy crumb just as much as you do!