Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies for holiday joy
These Christmas snowball cookies are a holiday classic—soft, buttery, and dusted with powdered sugar. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them perfect for festive tables and cookie exchanges.
Planning your holiday cookie spread? These cookies combine butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for a delicate, festive treat. Shape the dough into balls, roll in sugar, and bake until golden. Store in an airtight tin to keep them fresh through the season.
Pair these cookies with a mug of hot cocoa or a glass of eggnog for a cozy holiday pairing. Save this pin to inspire your Christmas baking and share the joy.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Preparation
No complicated steps—just mix, roll, and bake. Perfect for busy bakers.
💰 Affordable Ingredients
Uses pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour for budget-friendly baking.
👥 Family-Friendly
Perfect for involving kids in rolling and decorating the cookies.
🌟 Festive Presentation
The powdered sugar coating adds a snowy, holiday aesthetic.
Christmas Snowball Cookies Recipe
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 2 large egg yolks
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 2 cups powdered sugar (for coating)
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla; mix well. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt. Knead until a smooth dough forms.
💡 Chill dough for 30 minutes for easier shaping.
Roll Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
💡 Use a cookie press for uniform size.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
💡 Rotate sheets halfway for even baking.
Coat with Sugar: Roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
💡 Store in airtight container to maintain crispness.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter
Provides richness and helps the cookies spread evenly during baking.
Substitutions: Salted butter (adjust salt in recipe), coconut oil (for vegan option).
Granulated Sugar
Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the cookies for a golden crust.
Substitutions: Brown sugar (for richer flavor), coconut sugar.
Powdered Sugar
Creates the signature snowy coating and adds a second layer of sweetness.
Substitutions: Confectioners' sugar (same), cocoa powder (for chocolate snowballs).
Flour
Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and light.
Substitutions: Gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio), cake flour (for extra softness).
Pro Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
❄️ Chilling Tips
Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
🍪 Uniform Baking
Use a cookie press or measuring spoon to ensure even size for consistent baking.
✨ Coating Technique
Roll cookies in powdered sugar immediately after cooling for maximum adherence.
🎄 Festive Variations
Add red or green sprinkles, cinnamon-sugar coating, or crushed peppermint for holiday flair.
Variations & Customizations
Cinnamon-Sugar Snowballs
Mix 1/4 cup cinnamon with powdered sugar for a spiced holiday twist.
Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate before coating with sugar.
Cranberry Snowballs
Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries to the dough for a tart contrast.
Mini Snowballs
Roll into 3/4-inch balls for bite-sized holiday treats.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot cocoa with marshmallows
- Eggnog with a cinnamon stick garnish
- Vanilla ice cream (for a decadent dessert)
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced chai or a glass of mulled wine for a festive holiday combo.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Chill dough for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Bake frozen cookies 2 minutes longer.
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled cookies in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked cookies in single layer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Warm cookies in oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore crispness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Cookies spread too much. Why?
A: Ensure butter is chilled and dough is properly chilled before baking.
Q: How to keep powdered sugar from clumping?
A: Sift powdered sugar before use and store in a dry environment.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but bake in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.
Q: How to fix undercooked centers?
A: Chill dough longer and bake on a lower oven rack for better heat transfer.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas snowball cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings joy to any festive gathering. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy powdered sugar coating, they're sure to become a family favorite. Bake a batch this season and savor the magic of the holidays!
For best Pinterest visibility, post this dessert pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish first, followed by complementary sides, finishing with a dessert completion pin.
