The holidays aren’t complete without a plate of sweet, buttery snowball cookies! These melt-in-your-mouth treats are rolled in powdered sugar and bring instant Christmas cheer. Whether you love pecans, almonds, or chocolate twists, you’ll find the perfect snowball cookie here to bake, gift, and enjoy this season.
1. Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
The traditional favorite — rich, nutty, and buttery with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100 g) finely chopped pecans
- ¼ tsp salt
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla, then flour, salt, and pecans.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined sheet.
- Bake 12–14 minutes until just set (not browned).
- Cool slightly, roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, cool fully, then roll again.
How to Serve It
Stack them on a holiday plate and dust lightly with extra sugar for a snowy look.
2. Almond Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
These cookies have a delicate almond aroma and crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 1 cup (100 g) finely ground almonds
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add almond extract, then mix in flour, salt, and almonds.
- Form balls and bake 13 minutes.
- Cool and coat twice in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve with almond milk or espresso for a nutty Christmas pairing.
3. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
A kid-friendly twist — buttery and studded with mini chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ¾ cup (130 g) mini chocolate chips
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; stir in vanilla.
- Mix in flour and salt, then fold in chips.
- Shape 1-inch balls, bake 12–15 min.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle a few mini chips on top before serving for a playful look.
4. Walnut Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Earthy, rich walnut flavor that deepens the buttery taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 1 cup (100 g) finely chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugar; add vanilla.
- Stir in flour, salt, walnuts.
- Roll, bake 12 minutes.
- Cool, coat with sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Pair with spiced tea for a comforting evening treat.
5. Hazelnut Cocoa Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Chocolate meets hazelnut in a truffle-like Christmas cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
- 1 cup (100 g) finely chopped hazelnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter/sugar, add vanilla.
- Mix in dry ingredients and nuts.
- Form balls, bake 13 min.
- Cool, dust generously with sugar.
How to Serve It
Roll in cocoa-sugar mix for extra chocolate flair.
6. Coconut Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Tropical flavor in a wintry cookie — light and chewy inside, crisp outside.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp coconut extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 1 cup (90 g) shredded coconut
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter/sugar, stir in extract.
- Mix flour, salt, coconut; combine.
- Shape balls, bake 14 min.
- Roll in sugar once cooled.
How to Serve It
Top with toasted coconut flakes for texture.
7. Pistachio Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Delicate green hue and nutty flavor make them a festive standout.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped pistachios
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter/sugar, add extract.
- Combine dry ingredients; mix.
- Roll, bake 12–14 min.
- Coat with sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before serving.
8. Cranberry Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Tart cranberries balance the buttery sweetness perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter/sugar; add vanilla.
- Stir in dry ingredients and cranberries.
- Roll, bake 13 min.
- Cool, roll in sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Serve with cranberry punch or mulled wine.
9. Lemon Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Citrusy and refreshing, these add brightness to holiday platters.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- Pinch salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter/sugar, add zest and juice.
- Mix in flour and salt.
- Roll, bake 12–14 min.
- Cool, roll in sugar.
How to Serve It
Top with extra zest for color and aroma.
10. Peppermint Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
A Christmas classic with a cool peppermint crunch that tastes just like the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60 g) crushed candy canes
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add peppermint extract.
- Stir in flour, salt, and crushed candy canes.
- Form 1-inch balls and bake for 12 minutes.
- Cool and roll in powdered sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra crushed candy canes for sparkle and crunch.
11. Maple Pecan Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Sweet maple syrup adds depth to the nutty pecan flavor — perfect with coffee.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 1 cup (100 g) chopped pecans
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, sugar, and maple syrup.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pecans.
- Shape into balls; bake 13 minutes.
- Cool slightly, roll in sugar, cool fully, then coat again.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with a tiny bit of maple syrup before serving for shine.
12. White Chocolate Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
A rich, buttery base enhanced by creamy white chocolate chips.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ¾ cup (135 g) white chocolate chips
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, salt, then fold in chips.
- Shape, bake 12 minutes.
- Cool, roll in sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Drizzle melted white chocolate on top before serving.
13. Cinnamon Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Warm cinnamon spice gives these cookies a cozy, nostalgic holiday flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugar; add cinnamon.
- Mix in flour and salt until smooth.
- Roll into balls; bake 13 minutes.
- Cool, roll in sugar mixed with cinnamon.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle a dusting of cinnamon-sugar just before serving.
14. Mocha Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Chocolate and coffee join forces for an aromatic, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant coffee granules
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, stir in cocoa and coffee.
- Mix in flour and salt.
- Roll, bake 14 minutes.
- Cool, roll in sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Pair with espresso for a rich afternoon pick-me-up.
15. Matcha Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
A Japanese-inspired twist with earthy matcha flavor and festive color.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp matcha green tea powder
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar, mix in matcha.
- Add flour and salt; combine.
- Form, bake 12 minutes.
- Roll in sugar mixed with a pinch of matcha.
How to Serve It
Serve with jasmine or green tea for a serene pairing.
16. Toffee Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Crunchy, buttery toffee bits melt inside each cookie for irresistible texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ¾ cup (100 g) toffee bits
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter/sugar/vanilla until smooth.
- Mix in flour, salt, and toffee bits.
- Shape, bake 13 minutes.
- Cool, roll in sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Top with a few crushed toffee bits for crunch and shine.
17. Gingerbread Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and molasses — the ultimate Christmas flavor combo.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp molasses
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter, sugar, and molasses.
- Mix in flour, spices, and salt.
- Roll into balls, bake 14 minutes.
- Cool, roll in sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Serve with eggnog for a nostalgic Christmas combo.
18. Orange Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Zesty and refreshing, these cookies bring a burst of sunshine to your Christmas cookie tray.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 tsp orange juice
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar; add orange zest and juice.
- Mix in flour and salt.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and bake 12–13 minutes.
- Cool slightly, roll in powdered sugar, cool completely, and roll again.
How to Serve It
Garnish with a touch of orange zest for extra color and aroma.
19. Caramel Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Soft caramel centers melt inside buttery snowballs for a heavenly bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 12–15 soft caramels, cut into small cubes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour and salt.
- Flatten dough balls, place a caramel cube in center, seal and roll.
- Bake 13–14 minutes.
- Cool and roll in powdered sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve warm so the caramel centers are gooey and soft.
20. Rum Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
A grown-up twist with warm rum flavor and buttery sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp dark rum
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter, sugar, rum, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour and salt.
- Roll into balls; bake 12–14 minutes.
- Cool slightly and coat twice in sugar.
How to Serve It
Dust lightly with nutmeg for a holiday touch.
21. Cherry Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
These colorful cookies hide a surprise — a sweet maraschino cherry inside each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- 12–15 maraschino cherries, drained and halved
- ½ tsp almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, sugar, and almond extract.
- Mix in flour and salt.
- Wrap small pieces of dough around each cherry and form balls.
- Bake 13 minutes.
- Cool, roll in powdered sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Add a small cherry half on top of each cookie for a festive look.
22. Eggnog Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Inspired by the classic holiday drink — creamy, spiced, and rich.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp eggnog
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, sugar, and eggnog.
- Add vanilla, nutmeg, flour, and salt.
- Roll, bake 12 minutes.
- Cool, coat with powdered sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Dust with extra nutmeg for a festive finish.
23. Brown Sugar Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Brown sugar adds a rich caramel note and extra chewiness.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 cups (250 g) flour
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, salt, and powdered sugar.
- Roll into balls, bake 13 minutes.
- Cool and roll in sugar.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
24. Peanut Butter Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
Soft, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth — a peanut butter lover’s dream cookie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (120 g) creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter, peanut butter, and sugar.
- Add vanilla, then flour and salt.
- Form balls and bake 12–13 minutes.
- Cool slightly, roll in powdered sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Top with crushed peanuts for crunch and decoration.
25. Red Velvet Snowball Cookies
What Makes It Special
A festive favorite — rich cocoa flavor with a gorgeous holiday color.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) butter, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350°F (175°C).
- Beat butter and sugar; add vanilla, food coloring, and cocoa.
- Mix in flour and salt until smooth.
- Roll into balls and bake 13 minutes.
- Cool, roll in powdered sugar twice.
How to Serve It
Arrange on a white plate for a snowy red-and-white Christmas look.
🎁 Conclusion
Snowball cookies are the heart of holiday baking — simple, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you love nutty pecan classics, bright citrus flavors, or rich chocolate versions, these 25 recipes promise joy in every bite.
Bake a batch, share them with friends, or box them as gifts — and fill your kitchen with the warmth and sweetness of Christmas.
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