These Snowball Cookies are a holiday must-have — soft, buttery, nutty, and rolled in snowy powdered sugar. They have that classic crumbly shortbread texture that melts the moment you bite in, making them one of the most beloved Christmas cookies of all time.

They’re quick, simple, and absolutely beautiful on cookie platters. Whether you call them Snowballs, Russian Tea Cakes, or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these little cookies are always a festive crowd-pleaser!

This is a Simply Made Recipe provided by Lilly Ashley. Good recipes, without the paragraphs and fluff to sift through. Save the sifting for the baking! Follow on FB for new recipe updates!

⏱ Time Needed

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Cool Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

🍪 Yield

Makes: 24 cookies
Serves: 24

⭐ Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Additional powdered sugar for rolling

⭐ Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Add flour and salt; mix until just combined.
Stir in chopped nuts.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
After fully cooled, roll in powdered sugar again for the classic “snowball” look.