The easiest cookies you’ll ever make—just butter, sugar, and flour!
These 3-ingredient snowball cookies are the perfect beginner-friendly recipe. With just butter, powdered sugar, and flour, they’re ready in minutes and deliver a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Looking for the simplest snowball cookie ever? This recipe uses only three ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish. Ideal for busy bakers or anyone new to the kitchen, these cookies are soft, sweet, and perfect with a glass of milk.
The secret to their success lies in the precise ratio of butter to sugar and the quick chill before baking. The result is a golden, crumbly cookie that’s tender yet holds its shape. Plus, no special equipment is needed—just a mixing bowl and your hands!
Whether you’re baking for a quick snack or a cozy afternoon tea, these cookies will become a staple in your recipe collection. Their simplicity makes them ideal for kids to help with, and the buttery flavor pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold milk.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Easy
Ready in under 20 minutes with no chilling required after shaping.
💰 Minimal Ingredients
Just three pantry staples: butter, powdered sugar, and flour.
👥 Perfect for Beginners
No special techniques or equipment needed—just mix, shape, and bake.
🌟 Versatile
Customize with optional add-ins like vanilla extract or cinnamon.
3-Ingredient Snowball Cookies
Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies for beginners.
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 2 cups powdered sugar
- - 1 cup all-purpose flour
👨🍳 Instructions
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour until a dough forms.
💡 Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix until no dry flour remains.
Chill Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 10 minutes. This firms up the dough for easier shaping.
💡 Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
💡 For uniform size, use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
💡 Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Provides rich flavor and helps the cookies spread evenly. Use salted butter if preferred, but reduce added salt.
Substitutions: Margarine (with at least 60% fat), coconut oil (for a nutty flavor).
Powdered Sugar
Creates a smooth, sweet dough. Regular granulated sugar won’t work as it won’t dissolve properly.
Substitutions: None recommended—powdered sugar is essential for texture.
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure without making the cookies tough. Avoid cake or bread flour for best results.
Substitutions: Whole wheat flour (use 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup all-purpose for better texture).
Pro Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
✨ Chill the Dough
Refrigerating the dough for 10 minutes firms it up, making it easier to handle and preventing spreading.
🔥 Baking Temperature
Oven temperature is crucial. Too hot and the cookies brown too quickly; too cool and they spread too much.
🍯 Add Flavor Boosters
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra depth of flavor.
📸 Perfect Presentation
Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for a professional finish. Store in an airtight container to maintain texture.
Variations & Customizations
Vanilla Snowballs
Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to the dough for a classic flavor boost.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Mix 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon into the flour before combining with the butter-sugar mixture.
Chocolate-Dipped Cookies
Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate (white, milk, or dark) and let set before serving.
Nutty Delight
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the dough balls before baking for added texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- **Cold Milk:** A classic pairing that enhances the buttery flavor.
- **Coffee or Tea:** The cookies’ sweetness balances the bitterness of black coffee or tea.
- **Fruit Salad:** Lighten the meal with fresh berries or sliced apples.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Opt for a creamy latte or a sweet iced tea to complement the cookies’ richness.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Shape the dough balls up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating Instructions
Warm baked cookies in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore freshness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cookies soggy.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: The dough may not have been chilled sufficiently. Chill for 10 minutes to firm it up before shaping.
Q: How can I make the cookies sweeter?
A: Add 1-2 tablespoons of additional powdered sugar to the dough or dust the baked cookies with extra sugar.
Q: Can I use a stand mixer?
A: Yes, but hand mixing is sufficient for this simple recipe. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Q: Why are my cookies dry?
A: Overbaking is likely the culprit. Check the cookies at 10 minutes and remove them once the edges are just golden.
Final Thoughts
These 3-ingredient snowball cookies are a testament to the power of simplicity in baking. With just butter, powdered sugar, and flour, you can create a treat that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is a quick, reliable option for any occasion.
The key to their success lies in the precise balance of ingredients and the quick chill before baking. Don’t be tempted to skip the chilling step—it’s what keeps the cookies from spreading too much. For best results, shape the dough balls evenly and bake them on a parchment-lined sheet to prevent sticking.
Experiment with optional additions like vanilla extract or cinnamon to tailor the flavor to your taste. And don’t forget to pair them with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee for a complete, satisfying snack. These cookies are sure to become a favorite in your home—perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
