Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Featured in: Sweet Harmony

These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies combine simple pantry staples like flour, butter, and sugar with optional chopped nuts for a tender, crumbly texture. After baking until lightly golden on the bottom, the warm cookies are gently rolled in powdered sugar twice to create a snowy, sweet coating. Their easy preparation and budget-friendly ingredients make them perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime a sweet treat is desired.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 12:54:00 GMT
Warm, golden Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, freshly baked and dusted in a snowy powdered sugar coating. Save
Warm, golden Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, freshly baked and dusted in a snowy powdered sugar coating. | sugarprairie.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.

These snowball cookies have been a family favorite every holiday season bringing warm memories of baking together.

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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Baking these cookies together always brings the family closer and fills the home with a wonderful sweet aroma.

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.

Nutritional Information

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

A close-up of buttery Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for sharing. Save
A close-up of buttery Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for sharing. | sugarprairie.com

Coat cookies twice in powdered sugar for the classic snowy finish and enjoy fresh for best flavor.

Kitchen Help

What type of nuts can be used in snowball cookies?

Finely chopped walnuts or pecans are traditional and add a pleasant crunch, but nuts can be omitted for a nut-free version.

How do I achieve the perfect powdery coating?

Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately after baking, allow to cool completely, then roll again for a snowy finish.

Can margarine be used instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can substitute butter for a more budget-friendly option, though the flavor may be slightly different.

How should the dough consistency feel before baking?

The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed, ensuring tender cookies after baking.

What flavor variations work well with these cookies?

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the buttery sweetness of the cookies.

Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Buttery, sweet, and simple cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for any occasion or sweet craving.

Setup duration
15 min
Heat duration
15 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Sweet Harmony

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 24 Portions

Nutrition guidelines 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

01 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Method steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Combine Dry Ingredients and Nuts: Mix in flour and salt until just combined, then fold in nuts if using; dough will be crumbly but hold together when pressed.

Phase 04

Form Cookie Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and space about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheet.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

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

Kitchen tools needed

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

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and tree nuts if added. Omit nuts for nut-free version.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

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