Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are a timeless holiday favorite. These buttery, nutty bites dusted with powdered sugar resemble mini snowballs and are perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, neighbor gifts, or cozy family baking sessions. With a subtle almond flavor and simple ingredients, this easy snowball cookies recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re searching for classic Christmas cookies or quick holiday desserts, these snowball cookies will become your go-to treat.

Why You’ll Love This Snowball Cookies Recipe:

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and bake time for busy holiday schedules.
Kid-Friendly Baking: Simple steps make it fun for the whole family.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Store them for days without losing that fresh taste.
Customizable: Swap nuts or add flavors for endless variations.

Ingredients for Snowball Cookies

flour
almond flour
powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
butter
almond extract
salt

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Snowball Cookies

Preheat and Prep:

Who doesn’t like cookies that look like mini snowballs? Adorable and yummy! These classic cookies have a delicious almond flavoring. They make great Christmas treats.

Start by prepping your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicon mats.

Cream the Base:

Then cream together your room temperature butter, sugar, and almond extract at a medium speed.

Mix in Dry Ingredients:

Add the flours and mix on a low speed until combined and the flour mixture has been smoothly mixed in.

Shape the Cookies:

Then form dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the powdered sugar until the ball have a powdered sugar coating.

Snowball Cookies

Perfect holiday cookie! These Snowball Cookies are a favorite for Christmas.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 14

Total Time 24

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1/2 cup almond flour or almond meal
1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 stick of butter
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

To Roll in After Baking

1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a bowl using a electric mixer, cream butter, powdered sugar, almond extract.
Whisk in the flour, almond meal and salt until dough comes together.
Scoop out 1/2 tbsp. dough and shape them into balls.
Roll the balls in the powdered sugar and arrange them on the parchment lined baking sheets.
Bake 14-16 minutes till the edges start turning golden brown.
Let the cookies cool down a little and roll in powdered sugar while still they are still warm.
Cool completely on a cooling rack and sprinkle more powdered sugar.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Snowball Cookies Variations and Tips

Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with more all-purpose flour and use vanilla extract.
Flavor Twists: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips for a pecan snowball cookies variation.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.

These snowball cookies are not just a recipe—they’re a holiday tradition! Pair them with hot cocoa for the ultimate winter treat. If you try this easy snowball cookies recipe, share your photos in the comments below. Looking for more holiday baking ideas? Check out our peppermint sugar cookies or Christmas almond cookies.