Imagine a chilly afternoon, the aroma of warm cookies filling your kitchen, and the comforting taste of melt-in-your-mouth butter sweetness with every bite. There’s something timeless and heartwarming about snowball cookies, making them perfect for cozy evenings by the fire, casual tea gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat after a long day. These soft butter snowballs are a modern twist on the classic cookie, offering a delicate crumb, rich buttery flavor, and a generous dusting of powdered sugar that turns each bite into a little winter wonderland.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the traditional cookies often found in festive celebrations across the world. Known for their simplicity yet indulgence, snowball cookies have been a family favorite for generations, evoking memories of kitchens filled with laughter and the joy of baking together. This version elevates that experience, ensuring a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth, making it irresistible to children and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply for a sweet daily indulgence, these soft butter snowballs are designed to delight everyone who tries them.
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 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 (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
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Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat for about 2-3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
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Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. If you’re including nuts, fold them in gently at this stage.
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Shape the cookies. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft, which ensures the cookies retain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely and dust again with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
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Serve and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Soft Butter Snowballs
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Butter temperature matters: Softened butter ensures the dough mixes evenly and produces a tender cookie. Avoid melted butter, which can make the cookies dense.
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Chilling is optional but helpful: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help the cookies keep their shape during baking.
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Rolling in sugar: For extra sweetness and a classic snowy look, roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar—once while warm and once after cooling.
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Nut variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or leave them out entirely for a nut-free option.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
Soft butter snowballs are more than just a cookie—they’re an experience. Their delicate texture and buttery flavor make them irresistible, while the simple ingredients and straightforward technique ensure even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results. Unlike crunchy cookies or heavily spiced treats, these snowballs appeal to a wide range of palates. Their melt-in-your-mouth quality encourages second and third servings, and their classic look makes them a visual treat, too.
Baking these cookies can also become a cherished tradition. Kids love shaping the dough into balls, and adults enjoy the nostalgia of rolling them in powdered sugar. Whether it’s a family gathering, a bake sale, or a quiet afternoon indulgence, these snowballs bring people together over the joy of baking and sharing something sweet.
Variations to Try
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Chocolate-dusted snowballs: Roll the cookies in a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa for a rich chocolate twist.
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Citrus snowballs: Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dough for a subtle fruity note.
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Coconut snowballs: Mix shredded coconut into the dough or roll the baked cookies in powdered sugar combined with coconut flakes for added texture.
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Mini snowballs: Make smaller bite-sized versions for parties or lunchbox treats—they bake faster and are perfect for sharing.
Storing and Freezing
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
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Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature, and if desired, dust with powdered sugar again before serving.
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Dough storage: You can also freeze unbaked dough balls. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Pairing Suggestions
Soft butter snowballs pair wonderfully with beverages that complement their delicate sweetness. Some ideas include:
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Hot chocolate with whipped cream for an indulgent treat
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A warm cup of black or green tea for a soothing afternoon snack
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Coffee or espresso for a perfect balance of rich and sweet
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Milk, especially for children or a nostalgic dessert experience
They can also accompany other desserts on a holiday platter, such as chocolate truffles, shortbread, or fruit tarts. Their neutral sweetness allows them to harmonize beautifully with a variety of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! One of the great things about soft butter snowballs is their flexibility, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can shape the dough into balls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is especially helpful if you want to break up your baking into manageable steps or prepare for a holiday gathering in advance. If you prefer to bake them later, you can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to three months. Simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can place the frozen dough directly on the baking sheet and add a minute or two to the baking time. Preparing cookies ahead allows you to enjoy freshly baked treats anytime without the hassle of starting from scratch.
Keeping these snowballs soft and tender is all about technique. First, slightly underbake the cookies so that the centers remain soft—overbaking will cause them to dry out. Use softened, not melted, butter to maintain a tender texture, and avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Handling the dough gently preserves the light, crumbly texture that makes snowballs so irresistible. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. Adding a double dusting of powdered sugar—once while warm and once after cooling—also helps lock in moisture and adds a delicate finish.
Yes! While nuts add a pleasant crunch and flavor, these cookies are delicious on their own. You can simply omit the nuts for a nut-free version, keeping the cookies soft and buttery. For extra flavor, consider rolling them in powdered sugar mixed with a small pinch of cinnamon or cocoa. Alternatively, you could mix in finely chopped dried fruit for a slightly different texture and taste. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for people with allergies or anyone who prefers a classic buttery cookie experience without additional ingredients.
Soft butter snowballs are versatile and perfect for many occasions. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, making them ideal for cozy afternoons or family gatherings. For special occasions, arrange them on a dessert platter with other treats for a visually appealing display. A final dusting of powdered sugar just before serving enhances their snowy appearance and adds a festive touch. They also make great gifts when packaged in small boxes or jars, allowing you to share a homemade, heartwarming treat with friends and loved ones.
Final Thoughts
Soft butter snowballs are a timeless cookie that delivers a perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, they’re accessible to bakers of all skill levels, yet their melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery richness make them feel sophisticated.
Baking these cookies allows you to slow down and savor the process—creaming butter and sugar, shaping dough into perfect little balls, watching them bake to golden perfection, and finally, rolling them in snowy powdered sugar. Each bite offers a gentle, comforting sweetness, ideal for cozy moments at home or as a thoughtful treat to share with friends and family.
If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that’s soft, buttery, visually appealing, and universally loved, Soft Butter Snowballs are the answer. Try this recipe today and create your own sweet tradition—because some cookies aren’t just baked, they’re made to be cherished.
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Soft Butter Snowballs Everyone Will Crave
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a buttery flavor and a generous dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for cozy evenings, tea time, or any sweet craving. These soft butter snowballs are tender, delicate, and easy to make, offering a timeless treat that everyone will enjoy.
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 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 (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)
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 bowl, cream the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in nuts if using.
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Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Place on a wire rack to cool completely and dust again if desired.
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Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use softened butter and handle dough gently to maintain a tender texture. Powdered sugar gives the classic snowball appearance and should be applied generously. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
