Christmas Snowball Cookies are a holiday must! Made with chopped pecans and rolled in powdered sugar, these classic cookies (also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies) are always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just a few ingredients—perfect for parties, potlucks, or any festive gathering!
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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap “Jump to Recipe” at the top of the page.
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What Are Snowball Christmas Cookies?
Snowball cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, are traditional holiday cookies made with butter, flour, nuts, and powdered sugar. The dough is formed into small balls and then rolled in additional powdered sugar after baking for a snowy coating and look like little snowballs.
These buttery cookies have been a tradition in my family for many years and are one of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes. I have fond memories of making these cookies with my mom when I was young and I thought it was great when she colored the dough red and green for Christmas!
Ingredients for Pecan Snowball Cookies
*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Butter: I used salted butter in this recipe, but you can also use unsalted butter. If you use unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dough when you add the flour.
- Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is the best type of flour for this recipe.
- Nuts: I used pecans in this recipe, but you can also use other nuts such as walnuts or almonds.
- Powdered sugar: Both for the dough and coating the cookies, be sure to use powdered (confectioners) sugar, not granulated or brown sugar.
- Vanilla extract: This adds flavor to the cookies, but you can also use almond extract if you prefer.
How to Make Christmas Snowball Cookies
[Step 1] Begin by beating the softened butter with the powdered sugar in a stand mixer or in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer at medium speed.
[Step 2] Add the vanilla and mix to combine.
[Step 3] Pour in the flour and gently mix until cookie dough beings to form.
[Step 4] Stir in the chopped nuts.
[Step 5] Use a one-tablespoon cookie scoop to measure the dough and roll the dough between your hands to make 1-inch balls.
[Step 6] Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
[Step 7] Bake the cookies at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies begin to brown.
[Step 8] Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the prepared baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
[Step 9] Pour some powdered sugar into a bowl and place warm cookies in the sugar, turning to coat.
[Step 10] Place the cookies back on the baking sheet or on a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
How to Make Red and Green Christmas Snowball Cookies
If you want to make red or green snowball cookies, add your desired amount of gel food coloring to the dough before scooping and measuring. I divided my dough into thirds and make white, green, and red cookies because they make a great addition to my Christmas cookie tray!
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Stand Mixer or Food Processor
- Hand Mixer
- Large Bowl
- Cookie Scoop
- Parchment Paper
- Cookie Sheet
- Gel Food Coloring
- Cooling Rack
How to Store the Cookies
Christmas Snowball Cookies can be stored in an airtight container, coved with plastic wrap, or in a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to allow the cookies to cool completely before storing or freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, feel free to use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? You can try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, but results may vary.
- Can I make these cookies dairy-free? You can try using a vegan or dairy-free butter substitute, but results may vary.
- Can I add other flavors to the cookies? Feel free to experiment with different extracts such as almond extract or peppermint extract for some added flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or sprinkles before baking for a fun twist on the classic Christmas Snowball
Final Thoughts
This Snowball Cookies recipe is so easy to make and always a hit during the holidays! The pecans add a delicious crunch, and the powdered sugar coating gives them a festive touch.
Try making these cookies for your holiday parties or as a homemade gift for friends and family. If you make them, please leave a review and comment below and tag me on social media @mommymouseclubhouse. Enjoy!
More Christmas Cookie Exchange Recipes
- Melt Away Christmas Cookies
- Eggnog Sugar Cookies
- M&M Cream Cheese Cookies
- Gingerbread Sugar Cookies
- Frosted Eggnog Cookies
Christmas Snowball Cookies Video:
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Christmas Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter softened
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Chopped Nuts
- 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar + More for Coating
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Begin by beating the softened butter with the powdered sugar in a stand mixer or in a mixing bowl with a hand mixer at medium speed.
- Add the vanilla and mix to combine.
- Pour in the flour and gently mix until cookie dough beings to form.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Use a one-tablespoon cookie scoop to measure the dough and roll the dough between your hands to make 1-inch balls.
- Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies begin to brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the prepared baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Pour some powdered sugar into a bowl and place warm cookies in the sugar, turning to coat.
- Place the cookies back on the baking sheet or on a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
