There is something undeniably magical about Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies. Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these delicate little cookies are a staple on holiday dessert tables across America and beyond. Their soft, buttery texture, combined with the irresistible cloud of powdered sugar that coats them, makes them one of the most beloved Christmas cookies of all time.

Whether you grew up rolling these doughy rounds with family, or you’re discovering them for the first time, this recipe will help you create a batch that’s tender, crumbly, and completely irresistible. These cookies are perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa beside a glowing Christmas tree.

In this guide, you’ll find a fully original, carefully tested, SEO-optimized recipe for Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies — complete with helpful baking tips, storage tricks, flavor variations, and more. Let’s get baking!

Why Christmas Snowball Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite

There are many reasons Snowball Cookies have stood the test of time, but the biggest one is nostalgia. Every bite delivers a cozy, buttery, melt-in-the-mouth richness that instantly transports you to childhood memories of presents, laughter, and the aroma of seasonal spices wafting through the kitchen.

Here’s why these cookies are universally adored:

• They’re unbelievably soft and buttery.
Made with a simple shortbread-like dough, they practically dissolve on the tongue.

• They’re beautiful and festive.
Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them look like tiny winter snowballs — charming and ideal for Christmas platters.

• They’re easy to make.
The dough uses only a handful of ingredients and comes together in minutes.

• They store beautifully.
Snowball Cookies stay fresh for a long time, making them perfect for gifting.

• They are customizable.
With endless variations — from nutty pecan versions to chocolate-centered twists — these cookies truly suit any taste.

A Brief History of Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies may look simple, but their history tells a layered story of global culinary influences.

Their earliest forms appear in European shortbread traditions, especially from Eastern Europe, where butter-based nut cookies were common at weddings and religious holidays. Over time, variations traveled to the Middle East, Latin America, and North America.

That’s why you may know them by names such as:

Russian Tea Cakes
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Butterballs
Snowdrops
Italian Wedding Cookies

Despite the differences in name, the core recipe remains similar: a tender, buttery dough combined with finely chopped nuts, baked, and rolled in powdered sugar while warm.

This recipe keeps things classic — simple, decadent, and perfectly festive.

Ingredients for Classic Christmas Snowball Cookies

Below is a clean, simple ingredient list formatted for a pure Snowball Cookie recipe, not the JSON placeholder text:

Unsalted butter – the key to richness and tenderness
Powdered sugar – both inside the dough and for rolling
All-purpose flour – gives structure while keeping the cookies delicate
Vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts – for classic nutty flavor
A pinch of salt – enhances the overall taste

Because this is a shortbread-style dough, there are no eggs or baking powder. It’s simple, reliable, and foolproof.

Instructions (Numbered)

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and mix briefly until incorporated.
Add flour and salt, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Fold in the chopped nuts, distributing them evenly through the dough.
Scoop and roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately after removing from the oven.
Cool for 10 minutes, then roll again for a thick, snowy coating.
Serve, store, or gift your cookies — they stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Expert Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies

1. Use high-quality butter.

Because butter is the foundation of this recipe, using a premium brand makes a noticeable difference.

2. Roll while warm, then roll again.

This creates the iconic “snowball” look — extra thick, powdery, and beautiful on dessert trays.

3. Avoid over-baking.

The cookies should remain pale on top. Over-baking will cause dryness and crumbliness.

4. Chill the dough if needed.

If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 20 minutes to prevent spreading.

5. Pulse nuts in a food processor.

Finely chopping makes every bite tender with no big chunks.

Delicious Variations

• Chocolate Chip Snowballs
Add mini chocolate chips and omit nuts.

• Almond Snowballs
Swap pecans for finely ground almonds and add almond extract.

• Christmas Confetti Snowballs
Mix in holiday-colored nonpareils for a festive twist.

• Coconut Snowballs
Add shredded coconut and roll in extra coconut after baking.

• Lemon Snowballs
Add lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract.

How to Store and Freeze Snowball Cookies

These cookies excel in longevity:

Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 14 days.

Freezer:
Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature, then re-roll in powdered sugar before serving.

Snowball Cookies are also excellent for shipping — they travel well, don’t crumble easily, and stay delicious for days.

Serving Suggestions

Add to a Christmas cookie platter with gingerbread, peppermint bark, and shortbread.
Package in clear bags tied with festive ribbon for holiday gifting.
Serve with hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or mulled cider.
Display on a snowy white plate for a simple yet stunning presentation.

Fun Fact

Did you know Snowball Cookies almost always appear on “Top 10 Christmas Cookies” lists? Their nostalgia factor, ease, and irresistible flavor make them a must-bake treat for generations.