Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Featured in: Homemade Bakes

These buttery snowball treats combine softened butter, powdered sugar, and flour to create tender, crumbly bites. Optional nuts add a pleasant crunch, while rolling them in powdered sugar gives a snowy finish. Baked to lightly golden perfection, they bring warmth and sweetness ideal for holidays or cozy moments. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these a delightful pantry staple worthy of any sweet craving.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:40:00 GMT
Golden, baked Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar—a classic holiday dessert ready to enjoy. Save
Golden, baked Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, dusted in powdered sugar—a classic holiday dessert ready to enjoy. | crumbnest.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 been my go-to for holiday baking because it is easy and always a hit with family and friends

Ingredients

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

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 13–15 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.
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My family loves gathering around the kitchen to shape and roll these cookies, making it a cherished holiday tradition

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.

Close-up of freshly made Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, showcasing their delicate, crumbly texture and white coating. Save
Close-up of freshly made Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, showcasing their delicate, crumbly texture and white coating. | crumbnest.com

These cookies bring warmth and sweetness to any occasion and are sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe FAQ

Can I make these without nuts?

Yes, simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version. The texture remains tender and delicious.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

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

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

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

How do I achieve the snowy powdered sugar coating?

Roll the warm baked cookies in powdered sugar once cooled slightly, then again after they fully cool for a perfect snowy finish.

Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these treats use butter and do not include any animal-derived gelatin or additives, fitting vegetarian diets.

Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in powdered sugar, using simple pantry staples and optional nuts.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

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

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Phase 03

Combine dry ingredients and nuts: Mix flour and salt into the butter mixture until just combined. Fold in chopped nuts if using. Dough will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.

Phase 04

Form cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), and tree nuts when included.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 110
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 1 g