Few treats capture the magic of the holiday season like Christmas snowball cookies. These delightful bite-sized cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, resemble little snowballs and bring a festive charm to any dessert table. With their buttery, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, snowball cookies are a must-have during Christmas celebrations.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Christmas snowball cookies. From ingredients to tips and creative variations, we’ve got all the details to help you bake a batch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why Christmas Snowball Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite
1. Festive Appearance
Dusted generously with powdered sugar, these cookies look like snowballs, making them a perfect fit for Christmas and winter festivities.
2. Simple and Versatile
With just a handful of ingredients, Christmas snowball cookies are quick and easy to make. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize with different nuts and flavors.
3. Great for Gifting
Packaged in holiday tins or boxes, these cookies make excellent homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors.
For another classic Christmas cookie recipe, check out this guide on frosted sugar cookies, a perfect complement to snowballs on your holiday dessert tray.
Ingredients for Christmas Snowball Cookies
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
How to Make Christmas Snowball Cookies
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped nuts, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
3. Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale to preserve the snowball look.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
4. Coat the Cookies
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Once cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thicker, snow-like coating.
5. Serve and Store
- Serve the cookies on a festive platter, or package them in holiday tins for gifting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Snowball Cookies
1. Chill the Dough
Chilling the dough ensures the cookies hold their shape while baking. This step is especially important if your kitchen is warm.
2. Use Finely Chopped Nuts
Finely chopped nuts blend seamlessly into the dough, giving the cookies their signature nutty flavor without overwhelming the texture.
3. Double-Coat with Sugar
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice creates the perfect snowy appearance and enhances their sweetness.
For more cookie tips and decorating ideas, check out this guide on Christmas cookie decorating essentials.
Creative Variations of Christmas Snowball Cookies
1. Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolaty twist. Roll the baked cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
2. Spiced Snowball Cookies
Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, holiday flavor.
3. Lemon or Orange Snowballs
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy brightness that complements the buttery base.
4. Vegan Snowball Cookies
Replace butter with plant-based margarine and ensure the powdered sugar is vegan-friendly for a delicious plant-based option.
Fun Ways to Serve Christmas Snowball Cookies
1. As Part of a Cookie Platter
Pair snowball cookies with other holiday favorites like gingerbread men or chocolate chip cookies for a festive assortment.
2. Holiday Gift Boxes
Package the cookies in decorative tins or festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon for thoughtful holiday gifts.
3. Santa’s Plate
Leave a plate of Christmas snowball cookies out for Santa on Christmas Eve, paired with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Christmas snowball cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
2. What nuts work best for snowball cookies?
Walnuts, pecans, and almonds are popular choices. You can also use a combination of nuts for added flavor complexity.
3. Why are my cookies crumbly?
Snowball cookies are naturally crumbly because of their high butter and flour content. Be sure to let them cool slightly before handling to prevent breakage.
4. Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?
Yes! For a nut-free version, replace the chopped nuts with shredded coconut or skip the addition altogether.
Why Christmas Snowball Cookies Are a Must-Have
Christmas snowball cookies are more than just a delicious treat—they’re a holiday tradition. Their festive appearance, simple preparation, and customizable flavors make them a favorite for families worldwide. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, gifting to loved ones, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy.
For another classic holiday treat, try these Christmas snickerdoodles to expand your cookie repertoire.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a cookie that embodies the magic of the holiday season, Christmas snowball cookies are the perfect choice. With their buttery texture, nutty flavor, and snowy coating, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or Santa himself, these cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.
So grab your ingredients, follow this guide, and bake a batch of snowball cookies that will make your Christmas extra special. Happy holidays and happy baking!