These buttery, nutty cookies—often called Mexican Wedding Cookies, Snowball Cookies, or Russian Tea Cakes—are melt-in-your-mouth treats rolled in powdered sugar. Traditionally served at weddings, holidays, and celebrations, they’re simple to make but taste extra special.
🕒 Prep Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
- Bake: 15 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
🍳 Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)
🍪 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts/almonds)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Room temperature butter makes the dough smooth and easy to mix.
- Nuts: Pecans are classic, but walnuts or almonds work beautifully. Toasting the nuts first adds extra flavor.
- Sugar Coating: Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar for that classic snowy look.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla.
Step 2 – Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in chopped pecans.
Step 3 – Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their round shape.
Step 4 – Shape & Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 5 – Coat in Sugar
Let cookies cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. Place on a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
🍽 Nutrition (per cookie, ~24 cookies)
- Calories: ~110
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
💡 Tips & Variations
- Holiday Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for festive flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seeds or omit nuts (cookies will be less traditional).
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Gift Idea: Pack in a tin lined with parchment for a perfect homemade holiday gift.
