There’s something undeniably comforting about a simple, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Nutty Snowball Treats are the perfect little indulgence for cozy evenings spent with loved ones, an afternoon tea gathering, or even as a thoughtful gift tucked in a festive box. These delicate, buttery cookies have a rich history rooted in tradition, often appearing at family celebrations and holiday tables. Their soft, crumbly texture paired with a gentle dusting of powdered sugar evokes nostalgia, taking us back to moments of warmth and togetherness.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from generations of home bakers who perfected the art of creating a cookie that is delicate yet full of flavor. By adding a mix of toasted nuts, these snowball treats elevate the classic cookie experience, offering a subtle crunch alongside a tender bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, these cookies are designed to bring joy and comfort with every bite.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work best)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their delicate texture.
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Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The aroma will instantly remind you of cozy kitchens and family gatherings.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be tender, not dense.
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Fold in Nuts: Gently fold the chopped nuts into the dough, ensuring even distribution. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor and give the cookies a slightly nutty aroma.
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Shape the Cookies: Using your hands, form small 1-inch balls from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. The balls will hold their shape while baking, creating that signature snowball look.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as these cookies are meant to be soft and melt-in-your-mouth, not crunchy.
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Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. For an extra snowy effect, roll them a second time after they have cooled completely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the snowball treats on a festive plate or store them in an airtight container. They pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Notes
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Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts to suit your taste or dietary needs. Pecans provide a buttery flavor, while almonds add a subtle sweetness.
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Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months and roll them in powdered sugar when ready to serve.
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Serving Ideas: These cookies are excellent for gift-giving. Arrange them in decorative boxes or tins for birthdays, thank-you gifts, or holiday treats.
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Texture Tips: The secret to the perfect snowball cookie is not overbaking. The cookies should remain soft and delicate, creating that “melt-in-your-mouth” sensation.
Why You’ll Love These Nutty Snowball Treats
These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a comforting experience. Each bite offers a buttery, nutty flavor that melts on your tongue, perfectly balanced by the soft sweetness of powdered sugar. Their delicate texture makes them feel luxurious, while their simplicity ensures anyone can bake them without stress.
Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, Nutty Snowball Treats are versatile and universally loved. They are also highly shareable on social media, as their snowball-like appearance is visually appealing and evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
Tips for Perfecting Your Snowball Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is soft but not melted. This helps create the creamy texture necessary for a tender cookie.
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Sifting Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before rolling the cookies ensures an even, light coating and prevents clumps.
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Use Quality Nuts: Fresh, high-quality nuts make a noticeable difference in flavor. Toasting them lightly enhances their aroma and crunch.
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Gentle Folding: When incorporating flour and nuts, fold gently to preserve the dough’s delicate texture.
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Cooling on Baking Sheet: Allowing cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar ensures they hold their shape and prevents them from crumbling.
Pairing Suggestions
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Beverages: These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or milk, offering a perfect balance of flavors.
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Other Desserts: Pair them alongside fruit tarts, chocolate truffles, or creamy puddings for an elegant dessert spread.
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Holiday Tables: Display these cookies on a tiered tray alongside other festive treats for a visually stunning and delicious centerpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! These Nutty Snowball Treats are perfect for planning ahead, whether for a special event, a cozy gathering, or just a weeknight treat. You can prepare the dough a full day in advance and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough actually helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking and enhances the flavors, allowing the butter and nuts to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out the dough, shape it into small balls, and follow the baking instructions. The cookies retain their soft, tender texture even when baked from chilled dough, so you won’t compromise the melt-in-your-mouth quality. This method is especially helpful if you’re hosting a party or preparing multiple batches—just make the dough ahead, and baking will be quick and stress-free on the day you need them.
Can I substitute the nuts with something else?
Yes, these cookies are quite versatile. If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can easily make a nut-free version without losing any of the flavor or texture. Finely chopped seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, work beautifully, adding a subtle crunch and nutty flavor that complements the buttery cookie base. For a slightly different twist, you can also incorporate mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots. These alternatives give a unique flavor profile while keeping the soft, tender texture intact. Experimenting with different mix-ins allows you to personalize the cookies for any occasion, making them a fun treat for both kids and adults alike.
The key to achieving that iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture is careful baking. Bake the cookies just until the edges are lightly golden; even a minute too long can turn them crumbly. Additionally, avoid overmixing the dough when combining the butter, sugar, flour, and nuts, as overmixing can develop gluten, which makes the cookies denser and less tender. Once baked, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm. This not only gives them the signature snowy appearance but also helps lock in moisture, keeping each bite soft, delicate, and irresistible.
Yes, these cookies freeze exceptionally well, whether you freeze the dough or the baked cookies. For the dough, form the balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake directly from frozen, simply adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, store them in an airtight container in the freezer. When you thaw them, a quick roll in powdered sugar refreshes their appearance and ensures they maintain that delightful, snowy look. Freezing is a convenient way to enjoy these treats anytime without compromising on taste or texture.
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Nutty Snowball Treats are a delightful addition to any occasion. They’re simple enough for a weekday treat yet elegant enough for special celebrations. Their soft texture, buttery flavor, and gentle nuttiness make them irresistible to all ages.
Baking these cookies isn’t just about making a dessert—it’s about creating moments of joy, comfort, and togetherness. From the aroma that fills your kitchen to the smiles when they’re shared, these snowball treats offer a slice of happiness in every bite.
Bring a touch of tradition, warmth, and deliciousness to your kitchen with this timeless recipe, and watch as everyone around you falls in love with their melt-in-your-mouth charm.
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Nutty Snowball Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
A delightful, buttery cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for cozy evenings, afternoon tea, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. These cookies are soft, tender, and studded with toasted nuts, finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for that classic snowball appearance.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
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Fold the chopped nuts into the dough evenly.
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Form small 1-inch balls from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
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Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Roll again after they have fully cooled for extra coating.
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Serve on a plate or store in an airtight container.
Notes
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Use your preferred nuts or seeds for variety; pecans, walnuts, almonds, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds all work well.
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Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
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Do not overbake to maintain the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Roll cookies in powdered sugar while warm for the best coating and appearance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
