Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Featured in: Sweet & Toasted Treats

These buttery snowball cookies are simple and budget-wise, combining soft butter, flour, and vanilla with optional chopped nuts for a tender, crumbly texture.

After baking to a pale golden bottom, they’re rolled twice in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, satisfying treat made from pantry basics.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:52:00 GMT
Golden-crusted Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, ready to eat, dusted with powdery sugar for a festive look. Save
Golden-crusted Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, ready to eat, dusted with powdery sugar for a festive look. | smokyfeast.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.

This recipe has always been a family favorite during the holidays, bringing back warm memories of baking together.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour: dry ingredient
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: dry ingredient
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened: butter & sugar
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for coating): butter & sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: butter & sugar
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) finely chopped walnuts or pecans: nuts (optional but traditional)

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.
Mix 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.
Form 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.
Warm, buttery Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, shown with their perfect, crumbly texture, ready to be devoured. Save
Warm, buttery Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, shown with their perfect, crumbly texture, ready to be devoured. | smokyfeast.com

Watching my kids roll the dough into perfect balls always fills our kitchen with laughter and joy.

Notes

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.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), tree nuts (if added). Omit nuts for nut-free version. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

These sweet and simple Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies are an easy dessert, coated in a snowy powdered sugar cloud. Save
These sweet and simple Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies are an easy dessert, coated in a snowy powdered sugar cloud. | smokyfeast.com

These snowball cookies are a delightful treat that bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion.

Kitchen Questions

Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Yes, you can omit nuts entirely to suit nut-free preferences without affecting the texture much.

What is the best way to achieve a melt-in-the-mouth texture?

Using softened unsalted butter creamed with powdered sugar and carefully mixing just until combined helps keep the cookies tender.

How do I get the powdered sugar coating to stick well?

Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm, then cool completely and roll again for the classic snowy appearance.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

Yes, margarine can be used for a more budget-friendly option, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

What flavors complement these buttery cookies?

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth, and these cookies pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Buttery, melt-in-mouth cookies with a powdered sugar coating, ideal for holiday treats or snacks.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Jackson Reed


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy, then blend in vanilla extract.

Phase 03

Combine Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour and salt until just combined, then incorporate chopped nuts if desired; dough will be crumbly but cohesive when pressed.

Phase 04

Form Cookie Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Arrange on prepared baking sheet spaced one inch apart.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Coat with Powdered Sugar: Cool cookies for 5 minutes, then roll gently in powdered sugar while warm. After cooling completely on a wire rack, roll again for a snowy finish.

Kitchen Tools

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

Allergy Details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and tree nuts if included.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 1 g