There’s something magical about Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies. Every time I make them, I’m transported back to my childhood, standing in my grandma’s cozy kitchen, watching her roll these little buttery gems in powdered sugar until they looked like tiny snowballs. The smell of toasted pecans and vanilla would fill the air, and I’d practically bounce with excitement waiting for them to cool just enough to snag one (or three).

These cookies are the ultimate holiday treat — simple, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. They’re buttery and tender, with a subtle nutty crunch from the pecans, and that snowy powdered sugar coating? It’s pure magic. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a cookie exchange, or just because, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a little powdered sugar mess). Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve been a family favorite for generations.

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

These cookies are the kind of treat that just makes everything better. They’re buttery, tender, and have that perfect little crunch from the pecans. Plus, the double dusting of powdered sugar? It’s like biting into a tiny, sugary snowball. Here’s why you’re going to adore them:

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies are basically made for the holidays. They’re festive, easy to make in big batches, and everyone loves them. Whether you’re hosting a party, heading to a cookie exchange, or just need a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of cocoa, these cookies are your go-to. Plus, that snowy finish makes them look like they came straight out of a winter wonderland.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need a fancy grocery haul to make these cookies. The ingredients are pantry staples — butter, flour, sugar, and pecans — but when they come together, they create something truly special. The vanilla adds a warm, cozy flavor, and the pecans give just the right amount of nutty richness. It’s a simple recipe with a big payoff, and that’s what makes it so timeless.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

1 cup butter, softened (unsalted works best, but salted is fine too — just skip adding extra salt)
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling — trust me, you’ll need it!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla gives the best flavor, but imitation works in a pinch)
2¼ cups all-purpose flour (spoon and level it for accuracy — no packing!)
¾ cup finely chopped pecans (toast them first for extra nutty goodness)

That’s it! Just six simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to cookie heaven. Make sure your butter is softened (not melted!) for the perfect dough consistency, and don’t skimp on the pecans — they’re the secret to that irresistible crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

Preparing the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the oven time to heat up while you mix the dough, so your cookies bake evenly.
Cream the butter and powdered sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Don’t rush this step — it should take about 2 minutes with a hand mixer (or 3-4 minutes if mixing by hand). This is what gives the cookies their tender texture!
Mix in the vanilla. Add the vanilla extract and blend it in just until combined. The dough will smell amazing already.
Gradually add the flour and pecans. Slowly mix in the flour, about ½ cup at a time, to avoid a flour cloud explosion. Then, fold in the chopped pecans. The dough might seem crumbly at first, but keep mixing — it’ll come together as you work it with your hands. If it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water, but I’ve never needed to!

Baking and Coating the Cookies

Shape the dough into balls. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Don’t make them too big, or the centers won’t bake through. If the dough sticks, lightly flour your hands.
Bake for 12-15 minutes. Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet (they won’t spread much). They’re done when the bottoms are just barely golden — the tops should still look pale. Overbaking makes them dry, so set a timer!
First sugar coating. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes (they’ll be fragile when hot). Roll each warm cookie in powdered sugar. This first layer will melt slightly, creating a sticky base for the next coat.
Second sugar coating. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again. This is the magic step — that double dusting gives them that classic "snowball" look and extra sweetness. Don’t skip it!

And there you go! Golden, nutty, and coated in snowy sugar — just like Grandma made them. Now, try not to eat them all in one sitting (I won’t judge if you do).

Delicious Variations of Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

One of the best things about these cookies? They’re like a blank canvas for your creativity. Want to mix things up? Here are some fun twists to try:

Nut-free version: Skip the pecans and add an extra ¼ cup of flour to keep the dough texture right. You could even toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips instead — because chocolate makes everything better.
Citrus zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, sunny flavor. It cuts through the richness so nicely, and the citrus scent is heavenly.
Chocolate-dipped: After the final sugar coating, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white — your call). Let them set on parchment paper for a fancy two-tone look.
Spiced: Stir in ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist. Perfect for those extra-chilly winter days.

Don’t be afraid to play around! These cookies are forgiving, and half the fun is making them your own. Just promise me you’ll try the classic version first — it’s pure nostalgia in every bite.

Serving and Storage Tips for Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh, but let’s be real — they’re so good, they probably won’t last long. If you’re planning to serve them at a party, I recommend baking them the same day and giving them that final powdered sugar coating right before guests arrive. It keeps them looking snowy and perfect.

For storage, pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days (if they make it that long!). If you want to freeze them, skip the final sugar coating, freeze the cookies in a single layer, and then roll them in powdered sugar after thawing. That way, they’ll still look as pretty as the day you baked them.

Helpful Notes for Perfect Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your cookies turn out just right:

Nut substitutions: Not a fan of pecans? Try walnuts or almonds instead — just make sure they’re finely chopped. For a nut-free version, swap in toasted coconut or leave them out entirely (add a splash more vanilla for flavor).
Butter matters: Use real butter, not margarine. It makes all the difference in flavor and texture. And remember, softened butter creams best — if it’s too cold, your dough will be stiff; too warm, and it’ll spread while baking.
Powdered sugar hack: If your sugar starts clumping while rolling, sift it first for an even, snowy coating.

Quick nutrition note: Each cookie is about 120 calories, so indulge guilt-free (or, you know, just indulge — it’s the holidays!).

Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

Can I Freeze the Dough?

Absolutely! These cookies are freezer-friendly in every way. For unbaked dough, roll it into balls, freeze them on a tray until solid (about 1 hour), then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw — just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time. Already baked? Freeze them without the final sugar coating, then dust them right before serving so they stay picture-perfect.

Why Double Roll in Powdered Sugar?

The first roll on warm cookies creates a slightly sticky layer that helps the second coat cling beautifully. That second roll? It’s all about the ✨ drama ✨ — it gives them that fluffy, snowy look and an extra burst of sweetness. Plus, it hides any cracks for cookies that look as good as they taste. Skipping it isn’t a crime, but trust me, it’s worth the 30 seconds!

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments — I love helping troubleshoot cookie emergencies (and yes, cookie emergencies are absolutely a thing).

Final Thoughts on Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

There’s a reason these cookies have been passed down through generations — they’re simple, nostalgic, and downright delicious. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, I hope they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me. Don’t stress over perfection (a little powdered sugar on your nose is part of the fun!), and most importantly, share them with someone you love. That’s what Grandma would’ve wanted. Now go preheat that oven and get rolling — your own little blizzard of buttery, sugary happiness awaits!

Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies

Author: Emily Parker
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies are a classic holiday treat that’s buttery, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup finely chopped pecans
Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour and chopped pecans, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Let cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again before serving.

Notes

Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
For a nut-free version, omit the pecans.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Grandma’s Snowballs Cookies, holiday cookies, powdered sugar cookies, nutty cookies