Our Most Clicked Holiday Cookie from Newsletter Last Year

Last holiday season, one cookie was clicked on more from our daily newsletter than any other—and it’s as merry as a snow-covered cottage.

Our users have been making this Christmassy cookie for decades, yet they’re still delighted when the recipe pops up in their newsletters (sometimes you need a gentle reminder of your holiday favorites!).

This homemade treat is delicately delicious, rich in flavor, and best of all, easy to make. Meet the cookie that will add the “perfect variety for a cookie tray”: the Best Snowball Cookies.

What Are Snowball Cookies? 

You’ve probably heard of Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, or even butter balls before, Well, surprise, surprise, this recipe is basically the exact same thing. However, the “snowball" concept gives you an excuse to celebrate the treat in the holiday season. It’s a cookie that has many names and faces, but as one user put it, “Whatever you call it, it’s delicious.”

Buttery, tender Snowball Cookies are the definition of a “melt-in-your-mouth" treat. Finely chopped pecans give them a nutty texture and flavor, while the light powdered sugar coating covers your tongue in sweetness. “Like little bits of heaven in each bite!!,” said Hyemama.

This recipe has over 500 5-star ratings from both expert bakers and self-proclaimed “non-bakers,” proving it’s as foolproof as a holiday cookie gets. These cookies are quick, easy, and look absolutely adorable on a holiday platter. Plus, rolling the “snowballs” is a great activity for kids. 

“Absolutely wonderful as is and super easy to make. My two-year-old daughter and I had a lovely time making these delectable cookies,” said one Allrecipes member. 

How to Make Snowball Cookies 

These simple butter cookies are ready in just a few steps. First, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla together in a bowl, then mix in flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. Once the dough is prepared, shape it into walnut-sized balls (you can get about 60 in total) and place them on a cookie sheet. 

Bake the cookies in a 350 degrees F oven for 12 to 15 minutes (until set but still pale) and roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once they’re cooled, roll them in powdered sugar once more for the perfect “snowball” effect. 

Helpful Tips 

Thankfully, our community has made this recipe so many times, they have a few snowball baking tips to share with first-timers.

• “The easiest way I've found to coat each cookie with the powdered sugar is by using a covered plastic container. Pour powdered sugar in the container and add a few cookies at a time. Shake them gently to coat. They don't look too coated after the first time, but the second coating will give you the beautiful snowball look that these cookies are famous for,” said Allrecipes member Kristina.
• “Use real butter, not margarine. Not only will the cookies bake better but part of the wonderful flavor they have is how buttery they taste. The butter flavor does intensify a bit after a couple of days,” Kristina shared.
• “The key is to make small balls. Time consuming to roll smaller ones but do it and you'll have delicious, not dry snowballs!!,” commented Dana Di Pasquale Ruffing. 
• “If you want them to look like real snowballs, try adding some edible silver glitter to the rolling icing sugar! they glisten like snow!” said Allrecipes user finn.

We know that every year, without fail, the holiday rush arrives sooner than expected, and that's why we're here to offer easy, seasonal solutions ahead of time. Consider this cookie just a sneak peek of all the delectable holiday recipes coming to your inbox soon.

Get the Recipe: Best Snowball Cookies