Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Inspiration Bakes

These buttery snowball confections blend softened butter, vanilla, and finely chopped nuts into a crumbly dough that's rolled into balls. Baked until set and lightly golden, they’re coated generously in powdered sugar for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, they’re ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats, offering a comforting balance of rich flavor and light sweetness.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:14:00 GMT
Warm, golden Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies coated in a generous dusting of sweet powdered sugar. Save
Warm, golden Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies coated in a generous dusting of sweet powdered sugar. | suggestionsforever.com

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for the holidays or any sweet craving made with simple, inexpensive pantry staples.

I have always enjoyed making these cookies during the holiday season because they bring back warm family memories and are easy to bake.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g)
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter: 1 cup (225 g), softened
  • Powdered sugar: 1/2 cup (60 g), plus extra for coating
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Walnuts or pecans (optional): 3/4 cup (75 g), finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients:
Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Shape cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden (cookies should remain pale on top).
Coat cookies:
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely on a wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
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Baking and sharing these cookies with my family has become a cherished tradition that fills our home with warmth and joy.

Notes

For nut-free cookies simply omit the nuts Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth Pair well with coffee tea or hot chocolate

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer or sturdy spoon Baking sheet Parchment paper Wire rack Measuring cups and spoons

Nutritional Information

Calories: 110 Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 11 g Protein: 1 g per cookie with nuts

Homemade Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, a classic dessert with buttery flavor, perfect for holiday baking and sharing. Save
Homemade Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, a classic dessert with buttery flavor, perfect for holiday baking and sharing. | suggestionsforever.com

These cookies are perfect for gifting and make a sweet addition to any holiday dessert table.

Recipe Help & FAQs

What type of nuts are best for these cookies?

Chopped walnuts or pecans are traditional choices, adding a subtle crunch and a warm nutty flavor, though they can be omitted for nut-free versions.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a budget-friendly alternative, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different from butter-based versions.

How do I ensure the dough holds together well?

Mix the softened butter and powdered sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy before combining with flour and salt. If using nuts, fold in gently. The dough will be crumbly but should press into balls firmly.

Why are the cookies rolled in powdered sugar twice?

Rolling while warm and after cooling creates a soft, snowy coating that enhances their melt-in-the-mouth texture and adds visual appeal.

Can I add spices to enhance flavor?

Yes, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the cookies without overpowering their buttery taste.

Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball delights rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for any sweet craving.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
15 mins
Overall Time
30 mins
Created by Suggestions Forever Hannah Lewis


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Serving Count

Diet Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter & Sugar

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts (optional)

01 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 03

Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Nuts: Add flour and salt to the creamed mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Dough will be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Step 04

Shape Dough Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Arrange them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 05

Bake Cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the bottoms turn lightly golden while tops remain pale.

Step 06

Coat Cookies with Powdered Sugar: Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll cookies gently in powdered sugar. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Needed Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or sturdy spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Notice

Review each ingredient to check for allergens. Ask a healthcare specialist if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), and tree nuts (if added).

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details shown are for reference. Always check with your healthcare provider for advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 1 g