Name: Grandma Minecci’s Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489004H55M33S
Cuisine: American / European (traditional)
Ingredients: 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted (plus more for rolling); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup (85 g) finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Few holiday cookies bring as much warmth and nostalgia as snowball cookies. Sometimes called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these bite-sized treats are buttery, nutty, and rolled generously in powdered sugar. What sets Grandma Minecci’s Snowball Cookies apart is the tradition behind them—baked in batches during the holidays, shared with family, and enjoyed with coffee or tea. Their crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the snowy coating makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make these cookies step by step, along with tips, storage advice, and variations to make them your own.

Ingredients

To make about 30 cookies:

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (85 g) finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work best)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix again.

In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt together. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. Fold in finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. This step makes the dough easier to handle and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls between your palms. Place each ball about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale. Avoid overbaking, as this will dry out the cookies.

Step 6: First Sugar Roll

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie carefully in powdered sugar. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Second Sugar Roll

Once cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar to create the signature snowy coating.

Conservation and Storage

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Layer them between sheets of parchment to prevent sticking.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; re-roll them in powdered sugar after thawing.
Make-Ahead: These cookies are perfect for making ahead during the holiday rush. Bake them a few days in advance and refresh with a dusting of sugar before serving.

Variations

Nut-Free Version: Replace nuts with finely shredded coconut for a similar texture.
Chocolate Snowballs: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate.
Spiced Snowballs: Mix in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg with the flour for a warm flavor twist.
Lemon Snowballs: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dough and roll the cookies in lemon sugar (powdered sugar mixed with zest).
Festive Colors: Mix powdered sugar with a little edible glitter or colored sugar for a holiday party presentation.

Tips for Perfecting the Cookies

Chill the dough. Cold dough is easier to roll and ensures the cookies keep their round shape.
Use finely chopped nuts. Large chunks may cause cookies to crack while baking.
Do not overbake. The tops should remain white, and only the bottoms should turn slightly golden.
Double coat in sugar. The first coat sticks better when cookies are warm, while the second coat gives the snowy look.
Sift the powdered sugar. This prevents clumps and ensures an even coating.

Serving Suggestions

Snowball cookies are versatile and pair well with many occasions:

Holiday Tables: Arrange on a festive platter alongside gingerbread, biscotti, and shortbread.
Tea or Coffee Time: Serve with a hot drink for a cozy afternoon treat.
Gift Giving: Pack in tins or glass jars lined with parchment as thoughtful homemade gifts.
Dessert Platters: Pair with chocolate truffles or fruit tarts for a balanced dessert spread.
Family Gatherings: Bring to potlucks or reunions for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.

Conclusion

Grandma Minecci’s Snowball Cookies embody the spirit of tradition and the joy of simple baking. With just a handful of ingredients, you create cookies that are tender, nutty, and sweetly dusted in sugar. Their versatility allows endless variations, and their make-ahead ease makes them a holiday baker’s dream. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven, stored for later, or wrapped up as gifts, these cookies promise comfort and delight with every bite. This recipe proves that sometimes the simplest treats are the most memorable.

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Grandma Minecci’s Snowball Cookies

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 35 minutes active, ~65 minutes with chill
Yield: About 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Grandma Minecci’s Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and dusted in snowy powdered sugar. Known also as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these melt-in-your-mouth classics are perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, and gift-giving.