The Snowballs cookies (also called 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 probably derives from nut-and-butter-based European cookies brought by immigrants (especially Russian and German) that were 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. Christmas holidays and are often part of the “cookie tray” in families.
There is also a Christmas cocktail called “Snowball” made with advocaat (egg liqueur) and lemonade.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 25Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Seasonality: Christmas
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (and for decorating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup pecan nuts (chopped)
- 1 pinch salt
Steps
1. Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, cream the butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix well.
Incorporate the flour, chopped nuts, and pinch of salt, mixing gently until a homogeneous but firm dough is obtained.
2. Form 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 some space between each.
3. Bake:
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the inside remains soft.
4. Cool and dust:
Let them cool completely on the tray for 5-10 minutes. While still warm, roll the balls in powdered sugar until well coated.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is there also a Canadian version of Snowball cookies, and what are the differences with the American version?
🇨🇦 Canadian Snowballs (uncooked, with oats and coconut)
• They are not baked cookies like American snowballs.
• They are no-bake treats made of:
Oat flakes
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 present in holiday dessert trays.
