This post may contain affiliate links learn more
If you’re looking for a holiday treat or an indulgent snack that’s buttery, nutty, and sweet, Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies are here to steal the show! These cookies boast a crisp, powdered sugar-dusted exterior that gives way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. With their nutty walnut flavor and buttery richness, they’re irresistible.
Want more recipe inspiration like this? Get quick, easy, and delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
A Classic Favorite
Snowball cookies have been a cherished part of festive spreads for generations. Their bite-sized charm and delicate sweetness make them an instant hit.
Taste Explosion
Imagine biting into a cookie with a buttery richness, a gentle crunch from walnuts, and a sweet powdered sugar coating. Each bite feels like a cozy hug during a chilly winter afternoon!
Easy to Make
With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up these cookies in no time. The recipe is simple, yet the results are bakery-quality.
Versatile and Customizable
Whether you’re nut-free or prefer pecans over walnuts, this recipe offers flexibility to suit every taste.
Ingredients for Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (120g or 4 ¼ oz)
- 2 ½ cups Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature, about 5 sticks)
- 1 cup Chopped Walnuts (or substitute with toasted pecans)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for coating and rolling)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
Pro tip: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture!
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Food processor (optional)
- Wire cooling rack
Get your cooling rack here!
Buy Now → How to Make Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking tray with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, chopped walnuts, softened butter, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract. You can combine them by hand until the mixture becomes coarse and mealy or pulse them in a food processor.
Step 3: Form the Cookies
The mixture will feel dry at first, but as you bring it together, it should clump. Form small clumps, then roll them into smooth, round balls with your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking tray, leaving about 1 inch of space between them.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the cookie dough balls for 45 minutes, or freeze them for 15 minutes. This step helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar
When the cookies are cool enough to handle but still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated. Let them sit for 5 minutes and re-roll them for a generous second coating.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once fully cooled and coated, serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. They’re also perfect for gifting during the holiday season!
Tips for the Best Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies
- Butter Quality Matters: Use softened, high-quality butter for the best flavor. Avoid melted butter as it affects the dough’s texture.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to walnuts, try substituting with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a twist!
- Chill the Dough: Chilling ensures the cookies don’t spread too much in the oven.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
What to Serve with Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies
Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. For a festive holiday platter, serve them alongside Cranberry Cream Cheese Snickerdoodles, Brown Butter Pecan Cookies, or Peppermint Bark Shortbread Cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the kosher salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.
Why is my dough too crumbly?
If your dough isn’t clumping, add a small amount of softened butter and mix again. The right butter-to-flour ratio is key!
Do I have to coat them in powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar is part of what makes these cookies unique. However, you can skip it or use cinnamon sugar for a different twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 410
- Fat: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 2g
I can’t wait for you to try these cookies! They’re a delight for any occasion, from holiday parties to a cozy night in. Don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest and share your creations with us. If you enjoyed these cookies, you might also love these recipes:
Let us know how your Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies turned out in the comments below!
Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies: A Melt-In-Your-Mouth Delight
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookie 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats with a crisp exterior and tender, nutty interior. Coated in powdered sugar, these buttery delights are easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive seasons or any time you crave a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (120g or 4 ¼ oz)
- 2 ½ cups Unsalted Butter (softened to room temperature, about 5 sticks)
- 1 cup Chopped Walnuts (or toasted pecans)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for coating)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a baking tray with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, chopped walnuts, softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix by hand or pulse in a food processor until the mixture is mealy.
- Form small clumps of dough, rolling them into smooth balls with your hands. Place them on the baking tray with about 1 inch of space between each.
- Chill the cookie dough balls in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
- When warm but not hot, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, then re-roll for a thicker coating.
- Once fully cooled, serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If your dough is crumbly, add softened butter to help bind it.
- For nut-free versions, substitute nuts with chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- chill time: 15 minutes (freezer) or 45 minutes (refrigerator)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 41mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 76mg
