Classic Snowball Cookies are the best kind of cookie for Christmas or New Years. Buttery and nutty soft cookies coated in powdered sugar, you’ll love this recipe.

There’s just something about cookies you make around the holidays, like these snowball cookies – sp special. We also love to make our Sweet Crunch Bites, and the Truffle Cookies, and classic Russian Rugelachs.

Snowball cookies coated in powdered sugar in a bowl.

snowball cookies-

Some of the other popular names for the cookies are Russian Tea Cake, Snowdrops and Mexican Teacakes – I think snowball cookies fit the description best!

The classic cookies contain butter, nuts (you can use pecans or walnuts), sugar and flour. I like ours with an unexpected twist and that’s cream cheese. The cream cheese adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture to the cookies, truly takes the cookie over the top!

A snowball cookie bitten into stacked on top of other snowball cookies.

how to make snowball cookies-

  • In a bowl, cream together the butter with cream cheese, sugar, salt and vanilla.
  • Combine the flour and chopped walnuts and add to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined.
How to make homemade snowball cookies with flour and chopped walnuts.
  • Shape the dough into 24 small uniform ball-shaped cookies.
  • Bake cookies until tops start to turn golden in color (the bottom of cookie will be more golden).
  • Cool slightly and completely coat with powdered sugar. TIP: The cookie should still be warm but not hot.
Step by step collage on how to roll out snowball cookies and bake the cookies.

Don’t just limit yourself to the walnut or pecan filling. This batter is amazing and can be used for different fillings. Here are some creative options-

  • Hershey’s kisses candy
  • Nutella
  • Prunes
  • Apricot, raisins, craisins or your favorite dried fruit
  • Sprinkles for a fun cookie
  • Reese’s mini candy, halved
  • Cherries
  • Jam

can I freeze snowball cookies?

Yes, these cookies may be frozen up to 3 weeks in an airtight container. Perfect if you want to start baking early for the Holidays.

how long will snowball cookies stay fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh up to one week in an airtight container.

Soft and chewy snow ball cookies on a bowl with powdered sugar.

Enjoy the traditional cookie recipe, I hope you love the soft and chewy cookie just as much as we do!

Snowball Cookies

Valentina
Traditional Snowball Cookies are the best kind of cookie for Christmas or New Years. Soft, buttery and nutty cookies coated in powdered sugar, you'll love this recipe. The cookies can be made up to 7 days in advance.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 189 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl cream together the butter, cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
  • Combine together flour and chopped walnuts. Add to the cream mixture and mix until well combined.
  • Shape the dough into 24 small ball-shaped cookies.
  • Bake cookies 10-12 minutes, or until cookies begin to become golden.
  • Slightly cool cookies then roll them in powdered sugar until completely coated.
  • Serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 238IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!