Snowball Cookies

 Here’s a cozy, classic recipe for **Snowball Cookies** — melt-in-your-mouth, buttery morsels dusted with powdered sugar that look just like little snowballs.

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## ❄️ Snowball Cookies (a.k.a. Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies)

### Why You’ll Love Them

Snowball cookies are a timeless holiday favorite — tender, buttery, and full of nutty goodness. They have a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, crumbly center, and they’re rolled in powdered sugar twice for that perfect snow-dusted look. Best of all, they’re simple to make and absolutely irresistible with coffee, tea, or a mug of hot cocoa.

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### Ingredients

* **1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened** – The foundation for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

* **½ cup (60g) powdered sugar** – Adds sweetness without grittiness.

* **2 teaspoons vanilla extract** – For warmth and flavor depth.

* **2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour** – Provides structure.

* **¼ teaspoon salt** – Balances the sweetness.

* **1 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts** – Adds nutty crunch and flavor.

* **Extra powdered sugar, for rolling** – The signature snowball finish.

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### Instructions

1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Cream the butter and sugar:**

   In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.

3. **Add dry ingredients:**

   Stir in the flour and salt until a dough begins to form. Fold in the chopped nuts. The dough will be thick — that’s perfect!

4. **Shape the cookies:**

   Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

5. **Bake:**

   Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

6. **Coat with powdered sugar:**

   While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar and place them on a wire rack to cool.

   Once cooled, roll them again for a perfect snowy coating.

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### Pro Tips

* **Use real butter** — margarine just won’t give the same delicate crumb.

* **Don’t overbake:** You want the cookies pale with just a hint of golden color underneath.

* **Make ahead:** The dough freezes beautifully for up to 2 months; just thaw slightly before baking.

* **Nut alternatives:** Swap pecans for almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a twist.

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### Serving Ideas

* Serve them with hot chocolate or spiced tea during the holidays.

* Pack them in decorative tins for easy, elegant gifts.

* Stack them on a platter with other Christmas cookies — they add the perfect “snowy” contrast!

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Would you like me to include a **chocolate version** of snowball cookies (made with cocoa powder and 

chocolate chips)? It’s a decadent twist that’s equally festive.