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Classic, sweet, and salty Snowball Cookies! A timeless holiday favorite that everyone adores. These no-fuss, sweet, buttery, nutty Christmas cookies come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, then rolled through soft vanilla sugar. For an extra-delicious twist, I mix in salted vanilla pecans. They make each cookie just a little more special.
I’ve been planning this year’s cookie box and asking everyone I know for their favorite Christmas cookies. My cousin Maggie—my holiday partner-in-crime—always gives the best suggestions. And every single year, at the top of her list, is a classic snowball cookie. We made them together on Christmas Eve a few years ago, and ever since then, she’s asked me to share my version.
I’ll be honest, if I’m choosing from a cookie box, I almost always reach for something chocolatey, salty-sweet, or truffle-like. I almost never gravitate toward just vanilla.
But vanilla is my youngest brother Oslo’s favorite flavor, so he absolutely loves these cookies, and truly, who wouldn’t? Toasted vanilla pecans and homemade vanilla sugar make them extra special and so, so delicious.
The simplest little cookie… and the perfect one to add to your holiday baking list.
These are the details
Ingredients
- salted butter
- powdered sugar
- vanilla extract
- hazelnut liquor (this is optional)
- flour
- pecans
- vanilla sugar (or additional powdered sugar)
For the Vanilla Pecans (these are optional)
- pecans
- honey
- brown sugar
- vanilla
- sea salt
Kitchen Tools
For this recipe, you’ll need your favorite mixing bowls for baking, a baking sheet, and an electric mixer for the batter.
The Steps
Step 1: Make the dough
Beat the butter with the powdered sugar, vanilla, and hazelnut liqueur (if using—I always recommend it, it highlights the vanilla so beautifully) until creamy. Add the flour, toasted pecans, and salt. The dough will come together quickly.
Step 2: Roll the cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about a tablespoon each. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake—no chilling needed!
Step 3: Roll through sugar
While the cookies are still warm, dip or roll each one through powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll again to coat every inch in sweetness.
The vanilla pecans
If you want to make these extra special, make the vanilla pecans! Toss raw pecans with honey and brown sugar, then bake until toasted. Once warm, toss with vanilla extract and a pinch of flaky salt. Fold them right into the dough or sprinkle them on top—so delicious.
Add to The Cookies
Cookie Mix-In Ideas:
- chocolate chunks or chips
- crushed peppermint
- white chocolate chunks or chips
- dried cranberries
- mini holiday M&M’s
- crushed pretzels
To really make these festive, make Peppermint Sugar! Simply mix crushed peppermint candies and powdered sugar. Then sprinkle on top of each cookie before baking.
Box these up and add them to your holiday cookie boxes!
Looking for other easy desserts? Here are my favorites:
Snickerdoodle Peanut Butter Chocolate Chex Mix Bars
5 Ingredient Triple Decker Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Lastly, if you make these Snowball Cookies, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Vanilla Pecan Snowball Cookies
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Servings: 36 snowballs
Calories Per Serving: 108 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.2. In a bowl, beat together the butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the flour, pecans, and salt, beating until combined. 3. Roll the dough into tablespoon-size balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 minutes, until the cookies are set. Let sit 5 minutes, then roll each cookie through 1 cup powdered sugar while hot.4. Let the cookies cool, then roll each through the sugar one final time. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
Toss 2 cups of pecans with 2 teaspoons of honey and 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and toss with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Bake 2 extra minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt. Let cool, then chop.
