My Grandma’s Snowball Cookies
The melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic you’ll never forget!
Introduction
These Snowball Cookies—also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies—are the treasured kind that show up at every holiday gathering and disappear almost instantly. My grandma made them every year, filling the house with the aroma of butter, toasted nuts, and warmth. Soft, delicate, and rolled in powdered sugar like little snowballs, these cookies are the kind that stay in your memory long after the season passes.
Description
Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery shortbread-style cookies studded with chopped pecans. They bake into airy, crumbly rounds and get rolled in powdered sugar while warm, creating a dreamy melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each bite is sweet, nutty, and nostalgic—perfect with coffee, cocoa, or a festive gathering.
Origin & Cultural Significance
Though they go by many names—Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs—the concept is centuries old. Versions of these cookies appear in Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Latin American traditions, often served at weddings, holidays, and celebrations. They symbolize hospitality, sweetness in life, and the joy of sharing simple pleasures. In many families, especially across the U.S., Snowball Cookies have become synonymous with Christmas and winter gatherings.
Ingredients (with Quantities)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Powdered sugar (for rolli
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Shape the dough into small 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
7. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Let cool slightly, then roll again for a snowy finish.
8. Serve and watch them disappear instantly!
Optional Additions
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra warmth.
Use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of pecans.
Stir in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for holiday spice.
Swap a bit of flour with cocoa powder for chocolate snowballs.
Tips for Success
Don’t skip the double sugar roll—the first melts in, the second gives the snowy look.
Make sure the butter is fully softened, not melted, for perfect texture.
Finely chop the pecans so the dough holds together well.
If dough seems crumbly, knead gently with warm hands; the butter softens and brings it together.
Keep the cookies small; they bake more evenly and stay tender.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
Calories: 120–140
Fat: 8–9g
Carbohydrates: 12–14g
Protein: 1–2g
Sugar: ~5g
Values vary depending on cookie size and sugar coating.
Conclusion
These Snowball Cookies are more than a recipe—they are a tradition. They’re simple, quick, irresistibly delicious, and filled with the warmth of holidays past. Whether for gifting, sharing, or savoring by the fire, these cookies are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Recommendation
Serve these cookies alongside hot cocoa, mulled cider, or coffee. They also make excellent additions to cookie tins, holiday exchanges, and festive dessert platters. Double the batch—you’ll be glad you did!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Snowball Cookies celebrate the joy of seasonal baking: small, sweet bites that bring comfort and connection. While indulgent, they are portion-friendly, rich in simple ingredients, and perfect for mindful enjoyment. Allow yourself the pleasure of savoring these tender, nostalgic treats—because sometimes, the spirit of the holidays tastes like butter, pecans, and powdered sugar.
If you want, I can format this as a recipe card, blog post, printable sheet, or Pinterest-style caption!
