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Home By Meal Dessert

Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe

★★★★★ 9 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin12/13/19

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

healthy snowball cookies

This Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe is the perfect festive holiday treat idea. The cookies are crazy delicious, require minimal ingredients, and can be easily made vegan!

healthy snowball cookies

The best snowball cookie recipe

What better way to make the holidays a little brighter than with snowball cookies?! These treats are the perfect winter dessert or snack. They have a sort of shortbread taste which, when mixed with the walnuts, is absolutely to die for. They’re sweet and cozy and – if you didn’t know – look like little snowballs!

This is a very easy snowball cookie recipe, as the ingredients are minimal, and the total time required is 20 minutes or less. These are not a huge commitment! In a time crunch but craving something sweet? Whip these together in five minutes, stick ’em in the oven, and enjoy.

Like many of my cookie recipes, these treats are made using whole wheat flour, which makes them a bit healthier than what you’d find with traditional cookie recipes. You’re going to love these little snowballs!

I love quick dessert recipes because I can eat them sooner and wanted to share my Chocolate Protein Mug Cake too in case you wanted something chocolate-y.

bite out of cookie on rack

Ingredients needed to make this dessert recipe

For this recipe, only a handful of ingredients are required. Most are probably already in your pantry or refrigerator! The almond extract is optional, though I highly recommend it. It adds a great bit of flavor! Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

  • Whole wheat flour
  • Melted butter or coconut oil
  • Ground walnuts (or pecans)
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract (recommended)
  • Powdered sugar

Kitchen tools used to make these cookies

You’ll only need four items to make this recipe. Before prepping your cookies, gather the following items:

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Mixing spatula or spoon
snowball cookies in bowl

How to make these easy cookies

These treats could not be easier to make. Less than five minutes of prep time? Sounds good to me! Everyone has five minutes to spare, especially when it results in the most delicious cookies ever!

To make this recipe, begin by preheating your oven to 350F. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Then, mix the whole wheat flour, powdered sugar, butter, ground walnuts, and a pinch of salt. Just a pinch goes a long way, though you can feel free to use whatever amount you’d like! After all, everyone loves salty and sweet!

Next, stir in the vanilla and almond extract.

Spoon the dough into balls (about 1 tbsp worth of dough per cookie), and place them on the baking sheet. Finally, bake for 12-14 minutes, or until slightly golden brown.

Let cool completely, and then dust with the remaining powdered sugar.

bite out of cookie on rack

Ingredient substitution options

The fun thing about this recipe is that it can be customized to your own preferences. Here are some easy swaps that you can make (as well as one to avoid)!

  • Walnuts: Another great option to use in place of walnuts are pecans! However, any nut should be tasty. Feel free to use your favorite. If you don’t wish to use nuts at all, try using mini chocolate chips! I’ve also heard of people adding a chocolate kiss to the middle!
  • Melted butter: If you don’t wish to use regular butter, you can use vegan butter or coconut oil! If you opt for the latter, you’ll have vegan snowball cookies. Yum!
  • Powdered sugar: Here is a substitute to avoid. I’ve been asked in the past whether granulated sugar can be used in place of powdered, and it simply cannot. The powdered sugar in this recipe is what gives these cookies their round, fluffy, snowball shape!
snowball cookies on rack

How to store easy snowball cookies

These treats can be stored in an airtight container and kept on the counter or in the pantry at room temperature. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you’d like them to last an extra day or two, keep them refrigerated.

Here are some more cookie recipes from Erin Lives Whole

If you loved this dessert, you’ll also love my other cookie recipes! Check out these sweet treat ideas:

  • Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies
  • Flourless Double Chocolate Cookies
  • Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies (Gluten Free)
  • Healthy White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
healthy snowball cookies
bite out of snowball cookie
★★★★★ 4.9 from 9 reviews

Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe

This Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe is the perfect festive holiday treat idea. The cookies are crazy delicious, require minimal ingredients, and can be easily made vegan!

Prep: 5Cook: 20Total: 25 minutes
Yield 2 dozen 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cup white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup melted butter or coconut oil
  • 3/4 cup ground walnuts (or pecans/almonds)
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract 
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix together whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, butter, ground walnuts, and salt.
  3. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
  4. Batter will be crumbly and may seem a little dry, but it should stick together when pinched. If too dry, add a couple splashes of water.
  5. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough, roll into balls and press down lightly on baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until set, not brown.
  7. Let cool completely before rolling in remaining 1 cup powdered sugar.
  8. Store at room temp.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: cookies, holiday, whole wheatMethod: bakeCuisine: american
bite out of snowball cookie

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love seeing what you made!

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Michelle says

    Posted on 12/13 at 2:56 pm

    Yum! Could you use almond flour instead of the ground nuts?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/14 at 3:40 pm

      Hi Michelle, you can definitely try! Let me know how they come out for you with that sub!

      Reply
  2. Cece says

    Posted on 11/30 at 3:07 pm

    So excited to try these – do you think I could substitute white whole wheat for a gluten free blend?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/1 at 1:43 pm

      Hi Cece, yes that should be fine! Just check the flour ratio in case it isn’t 1:1. Let me know how your cookies come out!!

      Reply
  3. Gabi Dimitrova says

    Posted on 6/13 at 5:58 pm

    I made these cookies for Christmas and everyone loved them. Will be making them again this year for sure. I used vegan butter!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Gabi, so glad you liked them and made them your own!

      Reply
  4. carrissa says

    Posted on 1/13 at 4:23 pm

    I made these as part of my holiday cookie baking sesh and omg! they are so yummy. Definitely easy to eat 5 in a row. These are delish

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/14 at 11:53 am

      Hi Carrissa, I am thrilled you loved them!!

      Reply
  5. Julia S says

    Posted on 1/13 at 2:56 pm

    I love these snowballs! So nutty but soft too, I make them every holiday season and this year was no exception!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/14 at 11:30 am

      Hi Julia, I am so happy you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  6. Kellen says

    Posted on 12/8 at 10:10 pm

    These are always some of my favorite cookies around the holidays, and this recipe did not disappoint! I used 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup coconut oil and didn’t have any issues.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/9 at 2:01 pm

      Hi Kellen, thanks for sharing and so happy to hear you made them your own!

      Reply
  7. Emily says

    Posted on 12/4 at 5:17 pm

    These cookies are the best holiday cookies EVER! I have made these since you have released this recipe and it is a family favorite! The ingredients are very simple and great for a holiday party or cookie exchange !

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/7 at 4:20 pm

      Hi Emily, I am thrilled you love them!!

      Reply
  8. Amanda says

    Posted on 12/1 at 2:40 pm

    Our family likes to make lots of cookies for the holidays. Is this recipe one we can store ahead of time in the Freezer? If so, can we freeze the cookies with the powdered sugar on them or would you recommend we freeze the cookie then put the powdered sugar on when we are ready to eat them?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/1 at 4:11 pm

      Hi Amanda, you can definitely freeze these as is, meaning freeze them with the powdered sugar already on them! Let me know how they come out!

      Reply
  9. Lara says

    Posted on 11/28 at 11:47 am

    Snowball cookies are my favorite Christmas cookies and these were delicious! The whole family loved them!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 11/30 at 3:39 pm

      Hi Lara, I am so happy you enjoy them so much!

      Reply
  10. Emily McAllister says

    Posted on 4/15 at 8:33 pm

    I love these! The whole family has devoured them!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/5 at 8:11 pm

      Hi Emily! I am so happy everyone enjoyed the cookies! 🙂

      Reply
  11. Kelly Angelosante says

    Posted on 1/21 at 10:37 pm

    These cookies were so easy to make and my husband and I finished them within two days (oops lol) so delicious! I made with butter but will try coconut oil next time out of curiosity 🙂

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/11 at 7:48 am

      Hi Kelly! Thanks for your kind words! I am thrilled you both enjoyed them and made them your own!

      Reply
  12. Erica says

    Posted on 1/19 at 2:11 pm

    Really good! The powdered sugar on top is KEY! I used butter and it had the perfect buttery goodness for the holiday season baking! ☺️

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/11 at 8:55 am

      Hi Erica! Ah yes isn’t it great!! Thanks for your kind words and support!!

      Reply

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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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