Name: 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling); 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 cup pecans or pistachios, chopped (optional; can be left out or used as 1/4 cup for half the dough)

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If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that feels like a cozy winter hug in every bite, then you have to try these delightful 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies. Light, buttery, and wonderfully crumbly, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for any occasion yet incredibly simple to make. With just powdered sugar, butter, and flour, these cookies manage to feel special without any fuss. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro looking for a quick sweet fix, these cookies strike the perfect balance between effortless and absolutely delicious.

3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies so magical is how each ingredient plays a vital role, coming together in the simplest ways to create a cookie that’s full of flavor, texture, and classic buttery goodness. Let’s break down the essentials:

Powdered sugar: Provides sweetness and a delicate dusting to give the cookies that perfect snowball effect and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsalted butter: At room temperature, it ensures a rich, tender crumb and adds that luscious buttery flavor everyone loves.
All-purpose flour: The base ingredient that holds everything together, creating the cookie’s soft yet sturdy structure.
Pecans or pistachios (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and nutty flavor if you want to mix things up, but these cookies are delightful even without them.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Butter and Sugar

First things first, make sure your butter is at room temperature—it’s essential for achieving that soft, creamy texture when creaming with the powdered sugar. Using a stand or hand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 1 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides to ensure everything blends evenly. This step builds the foundation for your cookie’s tender crumb.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour Slowly

Next, reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour about half a cup at a time. This slow addition helps you achieve a smooth dough without flour clouds erupting in your kitchen. If your dough seems slow to come together, don’t hesitate to crank the mixer up to medium for a bit. Once all the flour is in, you’ll have a soft but firm dough ready for the next step.

Step 3: Add Nuts (Optional)

If you want to elevate your batch with some crunch and flavor, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or pistachios by hand. You can also split the dough into halves and add nuts to just one part for variety. This little customization makes it easy to please different tastes without extra effort.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, which helps the cookies keep their shape during baking and enhances their delicate texture. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a one-tablespoon cookie scoop or just a regular tablespoon, portion the dough into rounded balls. Arrange 12 cookies per sheet in rows of four to give them space to bake evenly. Place the trays in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the cookies turn lightly golden. They should still look soft on top—that’s exactly what you want.

Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar

While your cookies cool for about 8 minutes, get a shallow bowl with about 1/4 cup of powdered sugar ready. When the cookies are still warm but no longer hot, roll each one gently in the sugar. This step creates their charming “snowball” appearance and adds an extra hint of sweetness. Let the cookies sit at room temperature until fully cooled and the sugar coating firms up. You can give them a second roll too, but usually, one good dusting is enough.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

These snowball cookies are lovely on their own, but a light sprinkle of extra powdered sugar right before serving heightens their snowy charm. For festive occasions, a few finely chopped pistachios or a tiny dash of cinnamon on top can add a pleasant color contrast and subtle flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Serve your 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cocoa mug for an irresistibly cozy snack. They also pair delightfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to turn your cookie break into a mini dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your snowball cookies on a pretty plate lined with parchment paper, or arrange them in festive tins to gift friends and family. For a whimsical touch, place a few cookies inside clear cellophane bags tied with a seasonal ribbon—instant edible charm that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh and tasty for up to three days. Just make sure the container is sealed tight to preserve that delicate texture and sweetness.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully for up to two months. Lay them flat in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature and give a light dusting of powdered sugar if needed.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This softens them up without losing their signature crumbly texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?

While margarine could work in a pinch, butter is key to achieving the rich flavor and tender texture of these snowball cookies. Oil isn’t recommended because it changes the dough’s consistency and taste significantly.

Do I have to use powdered sugar for the dough?

Powdered sugar is important as it dissolves smoothly in the butter, creating that melt-in-your-mouth effect. Granulated sugar won’t give you the same texture, so stick with powdered sugar for best results.

Is it okay to omit the nuts completely?

Absolutely! These cookies are delicious plain and traditional without any nuts. The nuts add crunch and flavor variety but are entirely optional based on your preference.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With a simple swap to a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, you can adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Why are my cookies crumbly or falling apart?

Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted, and be careful not to over-mix the dough once you add the flour. Chilling the dough helps prevent crumbly cookies and allows them to hold their shape when baked.

Final Thoughts

These 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies are truly a game-changer when you want something sweet, quick, and utterly comforting. Their simplicity is part of their charm, making them a perfect go-to for holiday baking, last-minute treats, or even just an everyday indulgence. I encourage you to try these cookies and enjoy the magic they bring to your kitchen and your taste buds. You might just find yourself making them again and again!

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3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These 3 Ingredient Easy Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holidays or any time you crave a simple cookie. Made with just powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour, they are quick to prepare and can be customized with optional pecans or pistachios for a delightful crunch. Rolled in powdered sugar when warm, they resemble delicate snowballs, offering a beautiful and delicious finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

Optional Ingredients

1/2 cup pecans or pistachios, chopped (optional; can be left out or used as 1/4 cup for half the dough)

Instructions

Prepare Butter: Ensure the unsalted butter is at room temperature to allow easy creaming and smooth dough formation.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixer bowl, add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 cup softened butter. Using the paddle attachment, cream on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl sides as needed.
Add Flour Gradually: Lower the mixer speed, and slowly add the flour about 1/2 cup at a time. Allow the flour to incorporate fully before adding more to prevent overflouring.
Form Dough: Increase mixer speed to medium if the dough is slow to come together. Once all flour is incorporated and the dough is smooth, stop the mixer.
Add Nuts (Optional): If using nuts, fold them into the dough by hand. For a mix, divide dough into two halves; add 1/4 cup chopped pistachios or pecans to one half.
Chill Dough: Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up, making scooping easier.
Preheat Oven & Prepare Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop Cookies: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop or regular tablespoon, form dough balls and place 12 per sheet in four cookies per row with three rows, spaced evenly.
Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the bottoms and edges turn lightly golden.
Roll in Powdered Sugar: Pour about 1/4 cup powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. After baking, let cookies cool for 8 minutes then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm for a snowy coating.
Cool and Set: Allow cookies to cool completely on the countertop so the sugar coating can set. Re-rolling in sugar is optional depending on preference.
Store Properly: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months, dusting with powdered sugar again before serving.

Notes

Using room temperature butter is key for creamy, smooth dough.
You can omit nuts entirely or add half the dough with nuts for variety.
Chilling the dough helps maintain cookie shape and makes scooping easier.
Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while warm ensures thorough coating.
Cookies can be frozen and dusted with powdered sugar before serving for ease of preparation ahead of events.

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