Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Treats

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball treats offer a simple yet delightful experience perfect for any sweet craving. Made with pantry essentials like all-purpose flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla, they feature a tender, crumbly texture. Optional finely chopped nuts add a traditional touch and a subtle crunch. After baking until lightly golden, the warm treats are gently rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Enjoy them alongside coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy indulgence.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:12:00 GMT
A plate of warm, snow-dusted Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, ready to melt in your mouth. Pin
A plate of warm, snow-dusted Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, ready to melt in your mouth. | garlicgroove.com

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for the holidays or any sweet craving made with simple, inexpensive pantry staples.

I first baked these snowball cookies to enjoy during the winter season and they quickly became a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (225 g)
  • Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 g) plus extra for coating
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 3/4 cup (75 g)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter & sugar:
Cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy then mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients:
Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using. Dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Form cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden, cookies remain pale on top.
Cool & coat:
Allow cookies to cool 5 minutes then roll gently in powdered sugar while warm. Cool completely on wire rack then roll again for snowy finish.
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| garlicgroove.com

These cookies always bring my family together during the holidays, creating warm memories with every bite.

Notes

For nut-free version omit the nuts. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Pairs well with coffee tea or hot chocolate.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls electric mixer or sturdy spoon baking sheet parchment paper wire rack measuring cups and spoons.

Nutritional Information

Per cookie with nuts: 110 calories 7 g total fat 11 g carbohydrates 1 g protein.

These tender Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies are perfectly coated in powdered sugar, ready to enjoy. Pin
These tender Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies are perfectly coated in powdered sugar, ready to enjoy. | garlicgroove.com

Enjoy these snowball cookies fresh or store in an airtight container for up to a week for best taste.

Recipe Questions

What ingredients make these snowy treats tender?

Softened butter combined with powdered sugar and all-purpose flour creates a tender and crumbly texture.

Can I omit nuts from the mix?

Yes, simply skip the nuts for a nut-free version without compromising the texture.

How do I achieve the snowy powdered sugar coating?

Roll the warm baked treats in powdered sugar, cool them completely, then roll again for a double coating.

What alternatives exist for butter in this treat?

Margarine can be substituted for butter to reduce cost, though the flavor may differ slightly.

How long does preparation and baking take?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking requires 13 to 15 minutes until edges turn lightly golden.

Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Buttery, tender snowball treats dusted in sugar, crafted with basic pantry ingredients for a sweet indulgence.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegetarian

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter & Sugar

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional for coating
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts (optional)

01 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in flour and salt until just incorporated, then fold in chopped nuts if using; dough will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.

Step 04

Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls; place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Bake: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.

Step 06

Coat with Powdered Sugar: Cool cookies for 5 minutes, roll gently in powdered sugar while warm, cool completely on wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or sturdy spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), and tree nuts if added.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Protein: 1 g