Best Snowball Cookies (Russian Tea Cakes)

Snowball Cookies are tender cookie balls coated in confectioners’ sugar. They’re buttery, filled with chopped nuts, and crumble softly when you take a bite.

Many people know them as Snowballs, Mexican wedding cookies, or Russian tea cakes. Snowball Cookies have been part of my holiday baking for years, and every time I make them, they remind me why I love simple treats that melt the moment they touch the tongue.

I reach for this recipe whenever I want something comforting that doesn’t need fancy tools. Snowball Cookies fit perfectly into holiday trays, bake sales, or quick afternoon snacks.

The tender crumb, light sweetness from confectioners’ sugar, and gentle crunch from pecans make them a classic you can rely on.

Why Snowball Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion?

Snowball Cookies fit into almost any moment in the kitchen. They’re quick to mix, easy to shape, and made with ingredients most people already have on hand.

I love them for busy days because the dough comes together fast, and the cookies bake in minutes.They also travel well, which makes them a great choice for parties, holidays, bake sales, lunchbox treats, or small gifts.

The light crunch from pecans, the soft texture from butter and flour, and the sweet coating of confectioners’ sugar make these cookie balls feel special without needing extra effort.

Whether you serve them with coffee, share them with friends, or tuck them into a treat box, Snowball Cookies always bring warm smiles.

How To Prepare Snowball Cookies?

Recipe Overview

Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats rolled in confectioners’ sugar with a light nutty flavor from pecans.
Here is a quick look at what to expect:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Cool Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Treats
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: About 5 dozen Cookies
• Calories per Serving: About 110
• Servings: 60 cookies
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or whisk
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl for rolling cookies in sugar

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup very finely chopped pecans
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup confectioners’ sugar, or more as needed (for rolling)

Ingredient Notes

1. Butter: Softened butter gives these Snowball Cookies their classic tender texture.

2. Confectioners’ Sugar: Used in the dough and for rolling. It creates a delicate sweetness.

3. Vanilla Extract: A small amount gives the cookie balls a warm flavor.

4. Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works best.

5. Pecans: Finely chopped pecans help the cookies hold their shape and add soft crunch.

6. Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness.

How To Make Snowball Cookies

1. Cream the butter and confectioners’ sugar

Add softened butter and ½ cup confectioners’ sugar to a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth. This step helps the dough stay soft and crumbly in the best way.

2. Add vanilla extract

Mix in the vanilla until combined.

3. Add dry ingredients

Add flour and salt. Mix on low speed just until the dough begins to come together.

4. Fold in pecans

Stir in the finely chopped pecans. The dough will be thick.

5. Shape the dough

Scoop small portions and roll into 1-inch balls. Place each on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

6. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden, but the tops stay pale.

7. Roll in confectioners’ sugar

After removing them from the oven, let them cool for about 3–4 minutes. Roll each warm cookie in confectioners’ sugar and place on a cooling rack.

8. Roll again

Once fully cool, roll each cookie ball in sugar again for a classic snowy finish.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per cookie:

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

Tips

▶ Keep the butter soft.

▶ Chop pecans very fine.

▶ Roll cookies in sugar while warm.

▶ Add a second sugar coat after cooling.

▶ Shape dough balls the same size.

▶ Don’t overbake; tops stay pale.

▶ Store in an airtight container.

Variations

▶  Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts.

▶  Add almond extract.

▶  Add mini chocolate chips.

▶  Place a small rolo caramel inside.

▶  Add a light pinch of cinnamon.

Storing Tips

✅Keep Snowball Cookies in an airtight container for up to 6 days.

✅Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Add a fresh sugar coating after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

✔️Place them on a holiday dessert tray with fudge, pecan cookie balls, or other small treats.

✔️Gift them in clear bags tied with ribbon.

✔️Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

Recipe Notes

• Roll the cookies while warm for the best sugar coating.
• Use very finely chopped nuts so the cookie balls don’t crumble.
• Let the cookies cool fully before the second sugar coating.
• Keep dough balls the same size to help them bake evenly.

How do I keep Snowball Cookies from cracking while baking?

To prevent cracking, use soft butter and finely chopped pecans so the dough stays smooth. Roll each cookie ball firmly and avoid overmixing the dough.

If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for a short time also helps the cookies bake evenly.

Can I prepare the Snowball Cookies dough ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes! Shape the dough into cookie balls and place them on a tray to freeze. Once firm, transfer them to a sealed bag or container. You can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. The cookies will taste just as fresh.

What Makes Snowball Cookies Hold Their Round Shape So Well?

Snowball Cookies stay round because the dough is firm from the butter, flour, and finely chopped nuts. There are no eggs, so the dough doesn’t spread in the oven, and the small nut pieces help the cookies keep their shape.

Other Related Recipes You May Like

▶ Brown Sugar Pop Tart Cookies

▶ Best Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

▶ 3 Ingredient Fruit Cake Recipe

▶ Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe

FAQs

Conclusion

I hope you give these Snowball Cookies a try. They’re simple, soft, and perfect for any season. If you bake them, share your experience or ask me anything — I love hearing how these treats turn out in your kitchen.