The Snowball Cookies (also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs, or Pecan Snowballs) are among the most classic nut-based (usually pecans) Christmas cookies in the United States.
🍪 Characteristics of American Snowball Cookies
✔️ Butter
✔️ Flour + chopped nuts (usually pecans, but can be almonds or hazelnuts)
✔️ Plenty of powdered sugar
✔️ Very crumbly, almost melt in your mouth
✔️ No icing
The recipe originated in North America between the 19th and 20th centuries.
It is likely derived from European cookies brought by immigrants (especially Russian and German) made with nuts and butter, served with tea or coffee.
The name “snowball” comes from their rounded shape and the fact that they are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a “snowy” appearance.
My gluten-free version uses rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
These cookies are very popular during the U.S. holiday season and are often part of the “cookie tray” (a tray of assorted cookies) in families.
There is also a Christmas cocktail called “Snowball” made with advocaat (egg liqueur) and lemonade.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 25 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Seasonality: Christmas
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for decoration)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1 pinch salt
Steps
1. Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix well.
Incorporate the flour, chopped pecans, and pinch of salt, gently kneading until a homogeneous but firm dough is obtained.
2. Shape the balls:
Take portions of dough and form balls about 1-1.25 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each.
3. Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven at 347°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the inside remains soft.
4. Cool and dust:
Let cool completely on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. While still warm, roll the balls in powdered sugar until well coated.
FAQ
Is there a Canadian version of Snowball cookies, and how does it differ from the American one?
🇨🇦 Canadian Snowballs (no-bake, with oats and coconut)
• They are not baked cookies like the American snowballs.
• They are no-bake treats made of:
Rolled oats
Cocoa
Sugar or syrup
Butter
Sometimes condensed or evaporated milk
Grated coconut, used for coating.
• Very popular especially in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• They are hand-formed into balls and rolled in coconut → hence the “snowy” appearance.
• Typical of the Christmas period, often found on festive treat trays.
