Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Comfort Bakes

These buttery snowball cookies feature a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture enhanced by a delicate coating of powdered sugar. Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients like flour, butter, and finely chopped nuts, they are easy to prepare and ideal for festive occasions or any sweet craving. The dough is slightly crumbly yet holds together well, baking to a pale golden finish. Optionally, add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, and serve alongside coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:12:00 GMT
Fluffy Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, coated in powdered sugar, ready for a delicious bite. Pin It
Fluffy Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, coated in powdered sugar, ready for a delicious bite. | sweetbatata.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 loved making these cookies during the holidays because they bring back warm family memories and they are easy to prepare.

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

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5:
Bake for 1315 minutes or until the bottoms are just lightly golden (cookies should remain pale on top).
Step 6:
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 Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies fresh from the oven, with a delicate, buttery texture. Pin It
Warm Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies fresh from the oven, with a delicate, buttery texture. | sweetbatata.com

My family loves the tradition of rolling these cookies in sugar twice and sharing them with neighbors during the holidays.

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

Perfect dessert: Close-up of snowy Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, dusted with extra powdered sugar. Pin It
Perfect dessert: Close-up of snowy Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, dusted with extra powdered sugar. | sweetbatata.com

Enjoy these simple and delicious cookies that bring both joy and flavor to every occasion.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What makes these cookies melt in your mouth?

The high butter content combined with powdered sugar coating creates a tender, delicate texture that melts smoothly.

Can nuts be omitted or substituted?

Yes, nuts are optional and can be left out for a nut-free version without affecting texture significantly.

How should these cookies be stored?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness and softness.

What ingredients give these cookies their signature snowball look?

Rolling warm cookies twice in powdered sugar creates the classic snowy coating and appearance.

Can margarine be used instead of butter?

Margarine can replace butter for a budget-friendly option, though the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies coated in powdered sugar, made with basic pantry ingredients.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Nora James


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 24 Portions

Dietary Details 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

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare 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

Combine dry ingredients and nuts: Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Dough will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.

Step 04

Form cookie balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Arrange cookies on prepared sheet about 1 inch apart.

Step 05

Bake cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.

Step 06

Coat and cool: Cool cookies for 5 minutes, roll gently in powdered sugar while warm, cool completely on wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), and tree nuts if included.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Sweetbatata only offers this for informational use. Please don't treat it as personalized medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 110
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 1 g