Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (2024)

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Last Updated: | First Published on: by Hari Chandana Ponnaluri

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Snowball Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes Recipe – Rich, buttery, delicate and delicious shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth. It is a traditional Christmas cookie recipe and perfect for the holidays!

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (1)

What are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball Cookies are one of the traditional and popular Christmas cookies. They are tiny shortbread cookie balls rolled in powdered sugar when they are still warm. The cookies are so rich, addictive and they just melt in your mouth. Snowballs are also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Italian Wedding Cookies and Russian Tea Cakes.

Ingredients for Snowball Cookies

You just need 6 simple ingredients to make these classic cookies at home.

All-Purpose Flour

Corn Flour or Corn Starch

Unsalted Butter

Powdered Sugar

Vanilla Essence

Salt

Italian Wedding Cookies Variations:

These simple little Mexican Wedding Cookies are so versatile and can also be made with almonds, pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips, lemon or pistachios.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (2)

How long can you store the unbaked cookie dough?

You can store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze it for about 2 months.

How long can you store Russian Tea Cakes or Cookies?

They can stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Can you freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies?

Yes, they freeze extremely well. Once the cookies are baked and rolled in powdered sugar, arrange them in an airtight container and separate the layers with parchment papers. You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature and roll them in some powdered sugar again before serving.

Why did my Russian Tea Cakes flatten?

The traditional Russian Tea Cakes should be round in shape. Make sure the oven is preheated well and the dough is chilled before baking.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (3)

Tips to Make the Best Snowball Cookies:

  • Follow the exact measurements to make them perfect.
  • Make sure the dough is firm and chilled when you bake.
  • Shape the dough into 1-inch size balls to bake them evenly.
  • Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They are done when the edges of the cookies just start to brown and the bottoms are very lightly browned.
  • You will need to roll the baked cookies in powdered sugar when they are still warm.
  • Once they are cool, roll them again in powdered sugar if needed.
  • If you want to make super white snowball cookies, roll them twice in powdered sugar.

Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe with Step by Step Photos:

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (4)

  • Combine the flours and salt in a bowl and keep it aside.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (5)

  • In a mixing bowl. add unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Beat until it is creamy and smooth.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (6)

  • Add vanilla essence.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (7)

  • Mix until well combined.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (8)

  • Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix well with a spatula until incorporated.
  • Lightly knead the mixture to make a soft dough.
  • Wrap the dough with a cling film and refrigerate for an hour or until it becomes firm.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (9)

  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (10)

  • Roll the dough into 1 inch small balls and place them on the lined baking tray.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (11)

  • Bake them immediately in the preheated oven for 12 – 15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to brown at 180 degrees C.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (12)

  • Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 3 – 5 minutes.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (13)

  • While cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar.

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (14)

  • Arrange them on a wire rack and let them cool completely.
  • Roll them twice in powdered sugar if needed. Store in an airtight container.

More Christmas Recipes on the blog:

  • Eggless Fruitcake Cookies
  • Eggless Cherry Almond Cake
  • Nutella Sandwich Cookies
  • Vegan Avocado Brownies
  • Chocolate Chip Crescent Cookies
  • Orange Tutti Frutti Cake
  • Wheat Oat Almond Cookies
  • Eggless Dates Cake
  • Condensed Milk Cashew Cookies
  • Goan Kulkuls

Recipe Reference: Joy of Baking

How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe Video below:

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (15)

Snowball Cookies Recipe or Russian Tea Cakes Recipe

Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (16)Hari Chandana Ponnaluri

Rich, buttery, delicate and tasty traditional Christmas cookies recipe

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Cookies, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine European, International

Servings 60 cookies

Calories 49 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup All-purpose flour
  • ½ cup Corn Flour / Corn Starch
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
  • ¼ cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Essence (or 1 tsp Vanilla Extract)
  • ¼ tsp Salt

For Topping

  • ½ cup Powdered Sugar

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together the cornflour, all purpose flour and salt. Keep it aside.

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.

  • Add the vanilla essence and combine it well.

  • Then add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix well until incorporated.

  • Lightly knead to make a soft dough. Wrap it with cling film

  • Refrigerate the dough for an hour or until it becomes firm.

  • Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.

  • Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator.

  • Roll the dough into 1 inch small balls and place them on a greased or lined baking tray.

  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 – 15 minutes or until the edges are just starting to brown at 180 degrees C.

  • Remove from the oven and cool for about 3 – 5 minutes.

  • While cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar.

  • Transfer them to a wire rack and let them cool completely.

  • Roll them twice in powdered sugar if needed. Store in an airtight container.

  • If you want, sprinkle the top of the cookies with more powdered sugar before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 10mgPotassium: 4mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 95IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition values are estimates only.

Tried this recipe?Mention @iamharichandana or tag #blendwithspices!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (17)Allie says

    I rolled mine in cinnamon sugar before they baked, they were amazing!

    Reply

  2. Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (18)Leesa says

    1/2 cup of corn starch?? Oven 180 degrees?? Those two don’t sound right. Is that correct? I would like to make these

    Reply

    • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (19)Hari Chandana Ponnaluri says

      Yeah, this is a tried and tested recipe like all my recipes on the blog. It should work. please give it a try.

      Reply

      • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (20)Jill says

        Can you use lemon extract instead of vanilla?
        Thank you

        Reply

        • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (21)Hari Chandana Ponnaluri says

          Absolutely! You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice and some lemon zest for the flavor. 🙂

          Reply

    • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (22)Laia says

      180 Celsius
      350 F

      Reply

    • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (23)Katt says

      180 C is same as 350 F

      Reply

    • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (24)Marsha says

      Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (25)
      180 C equals 356 F. I set my oven to 350 degrees.

      Reply

      • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (26)Hari Chandana Ponnaluri says

        Thanks for your response.

        Reply

  3. Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (27)JoAnn says

    Can you use margarine instead of butter?

    Reply

    • Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (28)Hari Chandana Ponnaluri says

      Yes, you can!

      Reply

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Classic Snowball Cookies Recipe - The BEST Mexican Wedding Cookies (2024)

FAQs

Why are my Mexican wedding cookies crumbling? ›

If the butter is too cold, it won't be soft enough to bind the sugar, flour and nuts, making it crumbly and difficult to work with. Too warm and the dough might be greasy and difficult to roll into balls. Soften the butter to just cooler than room temperature and the dough should be perfect.

What is the difference between Italian wedding cookies and Mexican wedding cookies? ›

These cookies exist in other cultures as well and you may know them as Mexican wedding cookies, Russian teacakes or snowballs. They may use walnuts or pecans and are often rolled into balls. The Italian wedding cookie calls for almonds and is shaped into a crescent.

What are Mexican wedding cookies made of? ›

At their most basic, Mexican wedding cookies consist of flour, butter, finely chopped nuts, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla extract.

Why are my snowball cookies going flat? ›

Why do my snowball cookies go flat? These snowball cookies should not flatten. If they do it's likely the dough wasn't chilled long enough and the ingredients were too warm to begin with so they spread. It's also possible you accidentally measured the ingredients incorrectly!

Why are my cookies cakey and not crispy? ›

Using too much flour will make your cookies too cakey, so try reducing the flour amount by two tablespoons. Avoid using cake flour instead; try a mix of all-purpose flour and bread flour for a more dense and chewy texture. Using too much baking powder. According to the science geeks at Serious Eats—we love you!

Why are my cookies crispy and not chewy? ›

The ingredients you use and how you shape your cookies both play an important role in whether your cookies turn out crispy or chewy. The type of flour and sugar you use, if your cookie dough contains eggs, and whether you use melted or softened butter all factor into the crispy-chewy equation, too.

How many cookies do you need for a wedding cookie table? ›

For these kinds of receptions, you may want to consider 3-6 cookies per person, especially if you're going for a buffet-style dessert table. Finally, you should consider your guests dietary preferences. More options may be needed if your list includes a wide range of dietary requirements or restrictions.

What is the history of snowball cookies? ›

The origin for pecan snowball cookies is unknown. Beloved in many parts of the world, these cookies may have traveled to the U.S. by way of immigrants from Eastern Europe or Mexico. Since the 20th century, they've become part of traditional American offerings for weddings and holidays, including Christmas and Easter.

What is a carnival cookie? ›

🎡The Carnival Cookie🎡 A massive, buttery-soft sugar cookie topped with. smooth vanilla buttercream icing and garnished. generously with rainbow sprinkles.

How much sugar is in a Mexican wedding cookie? ›

The cookies have a floury rather than rich taste. Here's a much better recipe from The New Complete Book of Mexican Cooking: 1 cup flour; 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter; pinch of salt; 1 cup pecans, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

What do Mexican wedding cookies taste like? ›

Whether you call them Mexican wedding cookies, snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, or polvorones, one thing is certain: they are a total classic! And for good reason! Their crumbly, shortbread-like texture and their buttery, toasty, nutty flavor are completely irresistible.

Why are my cookies crumbly? ›

Dry – “Dry” or “Crumbly” dough is a product of over-mixing or using too much of any ingredient during the mixing process. This can be reversed by adding one to two tablespoons of liquid (water, milk or softened butter) to your mix.

What causes dry crumbly cookies? ›

There are several reasons why the cookies may have become dry and crumbly but the two most likely are that either the cookies were baked for too long or too much flour was added to the dough.

How do you fix crumbly cookies after baking? ›

To soften baked cookies that are too dry, you can add a slice of bread to the airtight container where you're storing the cookies. The moisture from the bread will give the cookies a softer texture. Or you can just pop the cookies in the microwave for 4-5 seconds until their texture softens a bit.

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