Snowball Cookies Recipe – I can’t believe that the holidays are upon us.
Here in Wisconsin, we have had no snow yet, just rain. For me, it is hard to get into the holiday spirit without a fresh blanket of white covering the ground.
With that in mind and to kick start some Christmas cheer, I headed to the kitchen with my mom and we did some holiday baking.
Snowball Cookies
As we baked, we joked and laughed as she reminded me of Christmas past, as well as many forgotten family recipes.
Even better, I give you the story, in my mom’s own words, how she came up with this family classic.
It was many Christmas seasons ago, I can’t tell you exactly.
While I was making a double batch of a butter cookie dough, I thought that it would be nice to use my cookie cutters and get the kids involved in some Christmas cookie decorating.
Grandma, Dad, and Platter Talk Kid, Asher.
However, while I was trying to roll out the dough, I was having a very rough time.
I knew that I was in trouble.
The dough was not only getting stuck to the rolling pin and counter, but also to the cookie cutters.
I did not want to start all over, mainly because at that time we didn’t have a great deal of money and the cost of the ingredients was a luxury.
Ingredients for Snowball Christmas Cookies
- Flour
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
- Egg
- Vanilla
- Pecans (optional)
- Salt
In an attempt to save the batch, I decided to roll this dough into small balls and bake them.
When they came out of the oven I made sure they were cooled enough then I dipped them in powdered sugar.
My kids have always been my biggest critics.
They tell me what is good and what is not.
I wasn’t sure what their reaction would be to these “mistakes,” which Dan and Scott are now calling Snowball Christmas Cookies.
To my surprise, each and every one of them loved them.
The next day I took a variety of cookies to my mother’s house, including my newly created “Butterball” cookie.
I really did not know what she was going to say.
Again, to my surprise she loved them.
They became my mother’s favorite cookie.
She would ask me to bake them for her not only at Christmas but anytime she had a taste for something sweet.
Try this Snowball Christmas Cookie recipe it’s easy, I know you will love them
The cookie is light and enjoyable. -Mary, Scott’s mom.
More of our Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes
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Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powder sugar together
- Add egg and vanilla to the creamed sugar and butter mixture. Mix to incorporate
- Add salt to the flour and slowly add flour and mix until all flour is added and mixture pulls together
- Mix in ground nuts until fully distributed into the batter
- Using your hands create little balls, approximately 1 inch round, by rolling the batter in between your hands
- Place on ungreased cookie sheet, leaving an inch between each cookie
- Bake for approximately 14-18 minutes
- Cookies will flatten a little on the bottom and be golden
- When cookies are cooled, roll in powder sugar
Marsha Lott says
These are delicious! Light, perfectly sweet shortbread texture. I got 55 cookies and they’re plenty big enough for a container of different cookies for family and friends. I recommend!
It wouldn’t let me rate, so I’ll rate it here….5 stars!
Margo Haynes says
Great recipes! Love your blog ! Thanks for holiday recipes early in the year!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks Margo, it’s never to early to plan ahead for the holidays!
Nancy says
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
Dan from Platter Talk says
Figure on 2 dozen cookies from this recipe.
Tamara says
How many cookies do you get from this recipe? I might have missed it but didn’t find an answer. Can’t wait to try them!!!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the question. Figure on about two dozen snowballs from this recipe, depending on their size. Thanks also for reading Platter Talk!
Kristine says
Yep, I love everything about these cookies! They are one of my favorites at Christmas, and I love that you added peppermint! What a fun twist! I’ll be making these, thanks! 🙂
Ali says
Family recipes are the best! These cookies look so tasty – what a great “mistake”! Have you ever tried making these with nuts other than pecans? My husband is sensitive to both pecans and walnuts, and I always want to make cookies like this at the holidays, but don’t as I don’t want to be the only one eating them. 🙂
janie says
I do envy you all that get snow at Christmas, pretty sure we’ve never had snow on Christmas day here in Cornwall, UK. Whatever the weather, I hope you have a lovely festive season 🙂
Janie x
Erren says
This is such a perfect idea for the holidays!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry says
What cute Christmas cookies and love the story behind them
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says
What a precious memory! These cookies remind me of snow and pillows – and quite simple to make too!
Mark, Compass & Fork says
This brings back memories! I haven’t seen or, worse still, tasted a snowball for years! Oh I will have to make these.
Lisa | Garlic + Zest says
I always have a problem with dough sticking to my counter — I think it’s because I live in Florida and despite the a/c – the dough just “knows”. This is my kind of cookie with the powdered sugar!
Jessy @ The Life Jolie says
These are one of those traditional cookies that I LOVE To see on a cookie plate but for some reason I’ve never made them (probably because I’d eat them all before they make it onto the actual cookie platter!). I need to try making these this year!
melissa says
How fun! I love seeing families cook together, it makes for great memories especially during the holidays.
Diane says
How Sweet to see Scott and his mom in the kitchen together. Her story is so fun! Yes kitchen mistakes sometimes make fabulous recipes! These snowball cookies are adorable and I’m sure they are tasty! They have stood the test of time! Happy Holidays!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, Diane; we had a lot of fun with our mom!
nazima says
what a wonderful post – Christmas is a great time for family and cooking special things, so it is lovely you have shared this family recipe.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much for stopping by and the lovely comment!
Donna says
I love the little story behind the cookie, I am sure it is one that will be repeated in your family throughout the years 🙂 These cookies sound so delicious, and perfect for the holiday season!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Donna! I agree with you, these cookies will be around for generations to come!
Ali @ Home & Plate says
Snowballs are one of my favorite Christmas cookies and love that your recipe is easy to make and perfect for making with the family.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much!
Sharee @ Savory Spicerack says
Nice Recipe for the holidays but also for tea time! Pinning for our “high teas” that my daughter serves us in her tea set :)s
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Sharee. Enjoy!!
Tina Marie says
I tried this recipe last week and I absolutely loved it! I switched out my flour for gluten-free flour and they tasted amazing!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the awesome feedback, Tina!
Tracy @ Served from Scratch says
Awww what a sweet video and delicious looking cookies!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Tracy. It’s so much fun to spend some time in the kitchen with family, especially during the holidays.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Love the story. You know mistakes are sometimes the “mother of invention”. These remind me of Russian Teacakes or Mexican Wedding Cakes. I think each country has their own version and now you’ve made your own. Great recipe. Have a very Happy New Year.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the great comments, Marisa!
Neli @ Delicious Meets Healthy says
What a great recipe!! Loved the video too!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
what a fun/adorable video…i have never made snowball christmas cookies but after reading, i need to.
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
What great memories are recalled and created in the kitchen. The cookies are fun too.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks, Peter!
Patty Haxton Anderson says
First of all hello and Merry Christmas Mrs. Brotherton! Great video. Love these cookies. Whenever they are on a dessert table I devour them. I think in this area they called them wedding cookies. Either name, they are delicious.
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks for the wonderful comments, as always Patty. We wish you and all of your family a very Merry Christmas. xo from all of us.
Debra @ Bowl Me Pver says
Beautiful story and delicious cookies – love the video and your interaction with your Mom, priceless!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks Debra. We are loving these cookies and every minute that we can spend with our beautiful mom.
Nicole Neverman says
What a lovely story! It’s so wonderful how a mistake like this can lead to a family favorite! These cookies sound really delicious, will have to give them a try!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thank you very much, Nicole. We will you and yours a wonderful holiday season!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
The best “mistake!” What a great story & video! These are a great Christmas cookie!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Thanks so much, wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!
Debi @ Life Currents says
One of my favorite cookies! Thanks so much for the recipe! And beautiful pictures!
Dan from Platter Talk says
Happy you enjoyed these!