❄️ Snowball Cookies (Mexican Wedding Cookies): A Buttery Holiday Classic
If you're on the hunt for the perfect holiday cookie—something easy, elegant, and utterly irresistible—look no further than Snowball Cookies. Also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, these tender little morsels are buttery, nutty, and wrapped in a sweet blanket of powdered sugar. They truly melt in your mouth with every bite.
Let me tell you, once you’ve made a batch of these, they’ll become part of your holiday tradition. We've already gone through two rounds—one to gift, one to “taste test”—and something tells me a third is coming soon.
🥣 The Story Behind the Snowballs
The magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity. A handful of pantry staples—flour, butter, powdered sugar, and nuts—come together to form the ultimate festive treat. They go by many names depending on where you’re from, but no matter what you call them, the experience is the same: soft, crumbly cookies dusted in sugar that look just like snowballs.
I had a surplus of pecans on hand (thanks, Costco!), and after using them in another recipe, I was brainstorming ways to use the rest. Pecan Pie Cake felt too grand for an average Tuesday, but cookies? Cookies are always the answer.
🧾 What You’ll Need
These cookies don’t ask for much—but what they do ask for makes all the difference.
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, but magical)
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup finely ground toasted pecans (about 115g)
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~1½ cups powdered sugar (for coating)
Tools:
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer
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Cookie scoop (or spoon)
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Baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats
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Food processor (for the nuts, though a knife works too)
👩🍳 How to Make Snowball Cookies
This recipe is beautifully low-maintenance. Here's a quick walk-through:
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Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a tray and toast them for 5–10 minutes, just until fragrant. Let them cool, then blitz in a food processor until finely ground—almost like almond flour.
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Mix the Dough: Cream the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla.
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Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and cinnamon. Slowly mix this into the butter mixture, then stir in the ground pecans.
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Chill: Let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape.
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Shape the Cookies: Scoop out 2 tsp of dough (or about 15g), roll into 1-inch balls, and set them on lined baking sheets. Chill again for 15 minutes.
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Bake: Bake at 325°F for 15–17 minutes. The bottoms should be just starting to turn golden—don’t let the tops brown!
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Double Sugar Dusting: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cooled, give them another sugary roll for that signature snowball look.
🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips
These cookies keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to two weeks—or freeze them for up to two months. Pro tip: If they lose their snowy coat after freezing, just roll them in fresh powdered sugar before serving.
And yes, you can freeze the dough too! Shape into balls, freeze on a tray, and store in a bag. Just bake from frozen and add a couple minutes to the time.
✨ Variations & Tips
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Swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios.
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Dial up the cinnamon if you want more warmth—1 tsp is lovely.
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Don’t skip chilling the dough—it’s key to their round shape and delicate texture.
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A small cookie scoop helps keep sizes even, but a spoon works too.
🎄 The Perfect Holiday Cookie
There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about these cookies. Maybe it’s the powdered sugar dusting your fingertips, or the soft crumble when you bite in. Whatever it is, Snowball Cookies deserve a spot on your cookie tray.
Got extra pecans? Maybe make a batch of candied pecans next—you’ll thank yourself during movie night.
🍪 More Holiday Cookie Joy:
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Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
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Gingerbread Cookies (Dipped in Chocolate!)
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Stained Glass Cookies
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White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
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Eggnog Cookies with Rum Glaze
So grab your apron, turn on some holiday tunes, and roll yourself a batch of snowballs. Trust me—you’re going to want to make a double batch. Or triple.
