Introduction
There’s something magical about snowball cookies — buttery, nutty, and so tender they crumble the moment you take a bite. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are the essence of holiday baking, perfect for cookie swaps, gifts, or cozy winter nights by the fire. Here are 23 of the best snowball cookie recipes that will fill your kitchen with warmth and the scent of Christmas joy.
1. Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies
Soft, buttery, and filled with nutty goodness — this traditional recipe is always a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla.
- Stir in flour and pecans until dough forms.
- Shape into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined tray.
- Bake 12–14 minutes until bottoms are light golden.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar and let cool.
How to Serve It
Dust again before serving for a snowy look.
2. Walnut Snowball Cookies
Crunchy walnuts give these cookies a rustic texture and deep flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour and nuts.
- Shape into balls and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
3. Almond Snowball Cookies
Lightly sweet and nutty, these almond snowballs pair perfectly with tea.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar. Add almond extract.
- Mix in flour and almonds.
- Shape into balls and bake 12–15 minutes at 350°F.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
4. Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Rich, cocoa-filled cookies for the chocolate lovers in your life.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add flour, cocoa, and chips.
- Bake at 350°F for 14 minutes.
- Roll in sugar once cooled.
5. Pistachio Snowball Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth cookies have a light nutty sweetness and beautiful green hue.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Combine butter, sugar, and extract.
- Add flour and nuts.
- Roll dough into small balls and bake 13 minutes at 350°F.
- Coat in sugar once cool.
6. Lemon Snowball Cookies
Zesty lemon adds a refreshing twist to the buttery cookie base.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Stir in zest and flour.
- Shape and bake 12 minutes at 350°F.
- Roll in sugar mixed with a pinch of zest.
7. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
Cool peppermint flavor makes these a festive favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups flour
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and extract.
- Add flour to form dough.
- Bake 12–14 minutes at 350°F.
- Roll in powdered sugar and sprinkle candy cane bits on top.
8. Hazelnut Snowball Cookies
Nutty and aromatic — a perfect match for coffee or cocoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup ground hazelnuts
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar, add vanilla.
- Mix in flour and hazelnuts.
- Bake 13 minutes at 350°F.
- Roll in powdered sugar when warm.
9. Coconut Snowball Cookies
Soft, coconutty, and perfectly festive — like a tropical Christmas treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour and coconut.
- Shape into balls and bake at 350°F for 14 minutes.
- Roll in sugar once cooled.
10. Mocha Snowball Cookies
A rich blend of coffee and chocolate — a grown-up version of the classic.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp espresso powder
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar, add espresso powder.
- Stir in flour and cocoa.
- Bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar while warm.
11. Lemon Snowball Cookies
These cookies bring a bright, zesty twist to the classic snowball. The citrusy kick of lemon makes them irresistible during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and salt, mixing just until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar and cool completely.
How to Serve It
Serve with hot tea or pair with lemon glaze for an extra tangy finish.
12. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
The rich chocolate chips hidden inside each bite make these melt-in-your-mouth cookies a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups flour
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until creamy.
- Stir in flour, then fold in chocolate chips.
- Roll dough into small balls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes or until set.
- Coat in powdered sugar while still warm.
How to Serve It
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate before serving for a festive touch.
13. Coconut Snowball Cookies
If you love coconut, these snowballs are pure bliss — chewy inside, crisp outside, and snowy all over.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour and coconut.
- Shape into small balls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar once cooled slightly.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled for a refreshing coconut flavor.
14. Pecan Snowball Cookies
A classic Southern treat, these pecan snowballs are buttery, nutty, and perfectly crumbly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups flour
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- Extra powdered sugar
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add vanilla, flour, and pecans.
- Shape dough into balls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in sugar and cool.
How to Serve It
Enjoy with spiced cider or coffee for a comforting winter snack.
15. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
These peppermint snowballs bring holiday cheer with every cool, minty bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups flour
- Crushed candy canes for topping
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and extract.
- Add flour and mix well.
- Roll into balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes while still warm.
- Coat lightly in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve on a festive platter with hot cocoa.
16. Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Rich cocoa turns this traditional treat into a decadent delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add cocoa and flour.
- Shape dough into balls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13–15 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar once cooled.
How to Serve It
Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa.
17. Pistachio Snowball Cookies
Crunchy pistachios add a pop of color and nutty flavor to this classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup chopped pistachios
- ½ tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Beat butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add flour, nuts, and extract.
- Roll dough into balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes.
- Coat warm cookies in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Pair with green tea or serve in holiday cookie boxes.
18. Almond Snowball Cookies
Buttery and nutty, these almond snowballs have a delicate flavor that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ¾ cup finely chopped almonds
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and extract.
- Stir in flour and almonds.
- Roll into balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar once cooled.
How to Serve It
Top with sliced almonds for a festive touch.
19. Walnut Snowball Cookies
These walnut-packed snowballs have a hearty crunch and warm, nutty flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Combine butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour and nuts.
- Shape into balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes.
- Coat in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve with cinnamon tea or hot coffee.
20. Maple Snowball Cookies
A sweet maple twist gives these cookies a cozy, holiday feel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2¼ cups flour
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and syrup.
- Stir in flour and salt.
- Form balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
21. Cinnamon Sugar Snowball Cookies
These cookies combine the warmth of cinnamon with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of classic snowballs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Extra cinnamon sugar for coating
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Add flour and form into balls.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar while warm.
How to Serve It
Serve alongside apple cider for a cozy combo.
22. Hazelnut Snowball Cookies
A hazelnut twist adds richness and depth to these festive cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2¼ cups flour
- ¾ cup ground hazelnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour and hazelnuts.
- Form balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 14 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Perfect with a mug of hazelnut coffee.
23. White Chocolate Cranberry Snowball Cookies
Sweet white chocolate and tangy cranberries make these snowballs festive and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Add flour, then fold in cranberries and chocolate.
- Roll into balls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 13 minutes.
- Coat in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Add extra cranberries on top for a colorful finish.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are the heart of holiday baking — soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet. Whether you prefer nutty, fruity, or chocolatey flavors, each of these recipes brings something special to your cookie tray. Bake a few varieties, share with loved ones, and enjoy the warmth of Christmas in every bite.
Leave a Reply