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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
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.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks salted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cups toasted pecans (see notes for recipe)
- 1 cup powdered sugar or vanilla sugar
Instructions
- 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
Notes
Sugared Vanilla Pecans
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.
This post was originally published on December 2, 2025
10/10. No notes. I dream about these cookies.
The sweetness, the saltiness, the little crunch, the tiny little cloud of joy.
Made exactly per the recipe and wouldn’t change a thing. And the extra leftover pecans are just *chef’s kiss*! Thank you!
Hey Yana,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe and your comment, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Have a very Happy New Year!🥂🎆
Outstanding!Mad about the pecans and vanilla.A wonderful update to Irma Rombaer’s “rich and devastating “pecan puffs of yesteryear.Great invention with the Hazelnut liqueur.We officially adopt it as our new fave!Thanks so much for your excellent recipe👏🏻
Hey Carol,
Fantastic! I appreciate you making this recipe and your notes, love to hear it was enjoyed!
Have a great holiday week!🎄🎁
Just made these for Christmas and they are delicious. The sugared pecans are so good. Will keep making these in years to come – thanks for sharing the recipe! Happy Holidays
Hey Jen,
Love to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it and your comment!
Happy Holidays!🎄
What temp are we baking those pecans at?
Hi Natalie,
You will bake them at 350F. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
I recently tried the Half Baked Harvest snowball cookie recipe, and I’m honestly baffled by the 3.4-star rating it received. These cookies are nothing short of phenomenal!
From the moment I took my first bite, I was blown away by their *incredible softness* and *fluffiness*. They melt in your mouth, creating a delightful texture that’s reminiscent of the best Russian tea cookies I’ve ever had. The flavor profile is spot-on, with just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of nuttiness that makes them truly irresistible.
The recipe was easy to follow, and I appreciated the thoughtful tips provided, which made the baking process even smoother. The dough came together beautifully, and the baking time was perfect. I ended up with a batch of cookies that looked as good as they tasted!
These snowball cookies have quickly become a new favorite in my household. I can’t recommend them enough—if you’re looking for a soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious treat, you must try this recipe. It deserves way more than 3.4 stars; it’s a solid five in my book! 🍪✨
Teagan has outdone herself again!
Aww, thanks so much, Teresa! I appreciate you making these cookies and sharing your feedback! Love to hear they were a hit with your family!
Happy Holidays!
I’ve made snowball cookies before but decided to try yours; and I was amazed by the flavor! Toasting the pecans; and adding the frangelica took it to a whole new level! Best snowball cookies ever!! Thank you!
Hey Patty,
Yay! Love to hear this recipe turned out nicely for you, I appreciate you making it! Happy Holidays!
Ok, let me start with I’m very picky about the recipes I use. I almost exclusively use Alex Guarnaschelli, Ina Garten and Martha Stewart because they are extremely accurate, very well written and always delicious. Today I made Tieghan Gerard’s snow ball cookies and these are hands down the best I’ve ever had! The recipe is extremely well written and accurate. The vanilla pecans are a must do for these. I’m excited to try more of
Tegan’s recipes and add her to my list of go to’s!!!
Wow, thank you so much, Margo! I am so glad you enjoyed these cookies and I appreciate you giving them a try!
Happy Holidays!
Incredibly simple to make and such a delicious combination. Roasting nuts is absolutely essential for flavour definition and a much needed step but results in the most perfect snowball cookies you could ever dream of ❄️❣️ thank you every recipe of yours I try is always delicious and successful your blog and cookbooks are such a gift! Merry Christmas 🎄
Hey Jessie,
Happy Friday!! I’m so glad to hear this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it and your comment!
Have a wonderful holiday season!🎄