Snowball Cookie Delights (Russian Tea Cakes Twist)

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If you’re craving a cookie that’s buttery, nutty, and melts in your mouth with every bite—these Snowball Cookie Delights are your answer. Inspired by classic Russian Tea Cakes (aka Mexican Wedding Cookies), this updated version keeps all the cozy nostalgia but adds a hint of elegance and finesse.

Snowball cookies have that charming vintage vibe, like something your grandma might pull from a well-loved tin at the holidays. But here’s the truth: they’re delicious year-round. These little powdered sugar-coated orbs are rich in flavor thanks to finely chopped walnuts, tender from real butter, and subtly sweet without going overboard.

Their melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from a simple, short ingredient list that doesn’t include eggs or leavening agents. That’s what gives them their crumbly, sandy interior and slightly crisp exterior. Once they cool, a generous dusting of powdered sugar completes the transformation into snowy, irresistible treats.

They’re easy to make and even easier to love. No fancy techniques here—just mixing, shaping, and baking. In fact, the dough is so low-maintenance, you don’t even need a mixer.

They’re perfect for cookie exchanges, afternoon tea, gifting, or snacking by the handful. You’ll only need one bite to understand why they’ve stood the test of time.

The beauty of this version is in the subtle upgrades. A touch more vanilla, a slightly richer nut ratio, and an optional second sugar-coating make these the ultimate version of a beloved classic.

You can easily swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds based on what you have on hand. And if you want to go festive, a pinch of cinnamon or citrus zest in the dough adds an exciting twist.

They keep wonderfully too. Store them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh for over a week—if they even last that long.

Whether you’re making a batch for the holidays or treating yourself on a quiet Tuesday, these cookies always feel like a warm hug in sugar-dusted form.

They may be humble, but once you bite into one, it’s hard not to reach for another.

This is a great recipe to make with kids too. Rolling the dough and tossing the cookies in sugar makes for a fun, interactive activity.

So gather your ingredients, warm up the oven, and get ready to make some magic.

Servings: 24 cookies

Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 42 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 tbsp powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture until just combined.
4. Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed. The dough may be slightly crumbly.
5. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into 1-inch balls with your hands.
6. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 11–13 minutes or until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
8. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cool, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For an extra snowy finish, roll again after 10 minutes.

Tips:

• For deeper flavor, toast the nuts before chopping.
• You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 2 months.
• Use a food processor to get finely chopped nuts quickly.
• Make smaller cookies for bite-sized party treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• No eggs or baking soda needed.
• Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
• Perfect for gifting, holidays, and cookie trays.
• Customizable with your favorite nuts or add-ins.

These Snowball Cookie Delights are a dreamy, nostalgic treat with a crumbly texture, nutty richness, and a powdered sugar finish that makes them feel festive any time of year. Classic, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser.