If there’s one treat that can instantly turn an ordinary day into a cozy, celebratory moment, it’s a Snowball Cookie Recipe. Soft, buttery, and dusted like a fresh snowfall, these cookies are the kind that disappear faster than you can say, “Who took the last one?” Trust me—I’ve seen it happen more times than I can count in my kitchen.
I’m Chef Omar, and today we’re diving into a Snowball Cookie Recipe that’s simple enough for a busy Tuesday afternoon yet special enough for holidays, cookie swaps, or those “I just need something sweet” moments. No fancy techniques. No stress. Just pure cookie happiness.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Snowball Cookie Recipe
Let’s be real—life is busy. Between work, family, and trying to remember if you moved the laundry to the dryer, baking needs to be easy and rewarding. This Snowball Cookie Recipe checks all the right boxes:
- ✔️ Made with pantry staples
- ✔️ No chilling required (yes, really!)
- ✔️ Soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth
- ✔️ Totally customizable with sprinkles or chocolate chips
These cookies feel nostalgic but still fun. They’re classic with a playful twist—kind of like wearing cozy pajamas with cute earrings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this Snowball Cookie Recipe. Simple, familiar, and friendly—just how we like it.
- 1 ½ cups butter, softened (salted or unsalted both work)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (plus more for dusting, if you’re feeling festive)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½–1 cup sprinkles (optional, but highly encouraged for joy)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, but who says no to chocolate?)
Chef tip: If your butter is too cold, your mixer will complain. If it’s melted, your dough will be grumpy. Softened is the sweet spot.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Snowball Cookies
This Snowball Cookie Recipe is designed for real life. No complicated steps. No culinary gymnastics.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Easy cleanup = instant win.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step gives the cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we’re after.
Add the vanilla extract and mix again until everything smells like happiness.
Step 3: Build the Dough
Mix in the salt and flour gradually. The dough will be thick—and that’s exactly what you want. It should hold its shape without sticking to everything in sight.
Now fold in the white chocolate chips. If you’re using sprinkles or mini chocolate chips, this is their moment to shine.
Step 4: Scoop and Space
Using a small cookie scoop (or a tablespoon), drop dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie. They don’t spread much, but everyone likes a little personal space.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the bottoms start to turn lightly golden. These cookies should stay pale on top—think snow, not suntan.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before moving. If you rush this step, they’ll crumble like a cookie rebellion.
Optional but delightful: Dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
Snowball Cookie Recipe Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t overbake. Snowball cookies are meant to be soft, not crunchy.
- Customize freely. Skip sprinkles for a classic look or go bold with holiday colors.
- Powdered sugar timing matters. Dust too early and it melts. Too late and it won’t stick. Aim for warm, not hot.
And if your dough looks a little rebellious at first—don’t worry. It always comes together. Just like us on Monday mornings.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Snowball Cookie Recipe became a staple after a last-minute gathering where I needed dessert fast. No chilling, no stress. I tossed in some white chocolate chips, added festive sprinkles, and crossed my fingers.
Friends started asking for the recipe before the cookies even cooled.
Now, these cookies show up everywhere—holiday trays, bake sales, and those quiet nights when I just want something sweet with my coffee. They’re reliable. Comforting. And always a hit.
FAQs About This Snowball Cookie Recipe
Can I make this Snowball Cookie Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze baked cookies (undusted) for up to 2 months. Thaw and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Can I skip the white chocolate chips?
Of course. The base Snowball Cookie Recipe is delicious on its own. Add-ins are just bonus fun.
What if I only have salted butter?
Totally fine. Just keep the added salt as listed—you won’t overpower the flavor.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this Snowball Cookie Recipe is how flexible it is. Swap sprinkles for chopped nuts. Add lemon zest for a fresh twist. Or keep it classic and let that buttery vanilla flavor shine.
Cooking should feel like an invitation, not a rulebook. If it makes you smile, you’re doing it right.
Let’s Bake Some Joy Together
There’s something magical about a Snowball Cookie Recipe—the soft texture, the gentle sweetness, the way it brings people together without asking for much effort. These cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create big smiles.
So grab your mixer, dust your counters with a little powdered sugar (it’s basically kitchen confetti), and bake a batch soon. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your stress level will drop, and someone will definitely ask for the recipe.
Happy baking, friends. Let’s make every bite count.
Keep the Sweet Fun Going
If you’re already in a baking groove (and let’s be honest—once Snowball Cookies happen, it’s hard to stop), here are a few reader-favorite treats that pair perfectly with this recipe and make dessert time even more fun:
- Love colorful, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink desserts? You’ll have a blast baking Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies loaded with sweet surprises—they’re playful, festive, and perfect for sharing.
- If you’re craving timeless holiday flavors, don’t miss Italian Christmas Cookies with classic bakery charm. They’re wonderful alongside snowball cookies on any cookie tray.
- Hosting a party or baking with kids? These Grinch Mini Cheesecakes that steal the show are adorable, easy, and guaranteed to spark smiles.
- Want something light to balance all that buttery goodness? Try Cranberry Mousse Cups with festive flair—they’re elegant, refreshing, and great for make-ahead desserts.
Think of these as your next delicious stops—because one good dessert always deserves another. Happy baking and sweet moments ahead!
Print
Snowball Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Description
This Snowball Cookie Recipe makes soft, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth. Rolled in powdered sugar and filled with white or mini chocolate chips, they’re perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or cozy baking days at home.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups butter, softened (salted or unsalted)
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white chocolate chips
½–1 cup sprinkles (optional)
1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
Add salt and flour gradually, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Fold in white chocolate chips and optional sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
Scoop dough using a small cookie scoop and place on baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring.
Dust with powdered sugar once cooled, if desired.
Notes
Do not overbake—snowball cookies should stay pale and tender.
Cookies firm up as they cool.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
These cookies freeze well without powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg