Snowball Cookies have been a Christmas tradition in our family for over half a century. If you've wondered how to get your whole family together in one room (your kitchen,) we have the perfect solution.
Plus, you can make this holiday treat from start to finish in under 30 minutes! Read on and we'll show you how it's done.
About these
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 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
- 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 cookies.
To my surprise, each and every one of them loved them.
The next day I took a variety of holiday treats to my mother's house, including my newly created "Butterball cookies."
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. These are light and enjoyable. -Mary, Scott's mom.
Our favorite Christmas Cookies
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📖 Recipe
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. They will flatten a little on the bottom and be golden. When cooled, roll in powder sugar
Video
Notes
- These snowball cookies will store for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
- Freeze them for up to three months.
Marsha Lott
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
Great recipes! Love your blog ! Thanks for holiday recipes early in the year!
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks Margo, it's never to early to plan ahead for the holidays!
Nancy
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
Dan from Platter Talk
Figure on 2 dozen cookies from this recipe.
Tamara
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
Thanks for the question. Figure on about two dozen snowballs from this recipe, depending on their size. Thanks also for reading Platter Talk!
Kristine
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
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
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
This is such a perfect idea for the holidays!
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
What cute Christmas cookies and love the story behind them
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
What a precious memory! These cookies remind me of snow and pillows - and quite simple to make too!