Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Featured in: Warm Baked Recipes

These budget-friendly snowball treats are rich and buttery, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture enhanced by a delicate sugar coating. Crafted with staple pantry ingredients like flour, butter, and vanilla, and optionally enriched with finely chopped nuts, they strike a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Baking requires little time and effort, making them ideal for festive occasions or comforting sweet cravings. The light golden bottoms and snowy sugar finish provide a satisfying contrast in texture and taste, ideal for pairing with warm beverages.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 10:20:00 GMT
Warm, buttery Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar, making a festive dessert. Pin It
Warm, buttery Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar, making a festive dessert. | juniperbite.com

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for the holidays or any sweet craving—made with simple, inexpensive pantry staples.

I first baked these snowball cookies during the holiday season and they were an instant family favorite for their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Butter & Sugar: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus extra for coating), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Nuts (optional but traditional): 3/4 cup (75 g) finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3:
Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 4:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5:
Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden (cookies should remain pale on top).
Step 6:
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely on a wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Imagine a plate of beautiful Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, ready to eat and filled with melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Pin It
Imagine a plate of beautiful Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies, ready to eat and filled with melt-in-your-mouth flavor. | juniperbite.com

My family loves gathering around the kitchen during baking and sharing stories while rolling these sweet cookies.

Notes

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. Pair well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or sturdy spoon, Baking sheet, Parchment paper, Wire rack, Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten), dairy (butter), tree nuts (if added). Omit nuts for nut-free version. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

These festive Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies appear soft and delightful, dusted lavishly with powdered sugar after baking. Pin It
These festive Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies appear soft and delightful, dusted lavishly with powdered sugar after baking. | juniperbite.com

These snowball cookies are easy to make and bring joy to any occasion.

Questions About This Recipe

Can I omit nuts without affecting texture?

Yes, omitting the nuts results in a smooth, crumbly texture while preserving the buttery softness.

What is the ideal baking temperature for these cookies?

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the bottoms lightly brown while keeping tops pale and tender.

How do I achieve the classic powdered sugar coating?

Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately after baking, then again once cooled for a perfect snowy finish.

Can margarine be used instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can replace butter for a more economical option, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Are there flavor variations to enhance these treats?

Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg introduces warmth and depth, complementing the buttery base.

Budget-Friendly Snowball Cookies

Buttery, tender snowball cookies rolled in sugar, crafted with simple ingredients for sweet enjoyment.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Duration
30 minutes
Juniper Bite Chloe Fischer

Dish Type Warm Baked Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 24 Number of Servings

Dietary Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter & Sugar

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts (optional)

01 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 03

Combine dry ingredients and nuts: Mix in flour and salt until just incorporated. Fold in chopped nuts if using. The dough will be crumbly but should hold when pressed.

Step 04

Form cookie balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.

Step 05

Bake the cookies: Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden while tops remain pale.

Step 06

Cool and coat with powdered sugar: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll gently in powdered sugar while still warm. Once fully cooled on wire rack, roll again in powdered sugar to finish.

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or sturdy spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Details

Always check what goes in for allergens, and talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and tree nuts if added

Nutrition Information (each serving)

This info’s just a guide, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 110
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Proteins: 1 g