Name: Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, softened); 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar, divided); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup semi-sweet mini morsels (optional)

There’s something utterly comforting about these melt-in-your-mouth treats that just screams cozy kitchen vibes. The Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe I’m sharing with you today has become a staple in my home—simple ingredients, no nuts, and packed full of buttery, vanilla-scented love.

The image shows a white plate with two groups of round cookies. On the left side, there are light beige cookies covered with a thick layer of white powdered sugar, giving them a soft, powdery look. These cookies have a rough, slightly cracked surface. On the right side, the cookies are dark chocolate coated with a smooth, shiny texture, revealing a small beige center on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited every time I bake these cookies because they’re a nostalgic nod to classic holiday treats but without the worry of nuts, making them perfect for anyone’s diet. You’ll find they’re easy to whip up and somehow irresistible, even when you just want a little something sweet after dinner.

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand, so no last-minute store runs.
Nut-Free & Allergy Friendly: Perfect for sharing with friends and family who need to avoid nuts, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: So buttery and tender they almost dissolve—like little snowballs!
Customizable: Optional mini chocolate morsels add a fun twist, but you can leave them out or swap in your favorite mix-ins.

A bright yellow plate holds two groups of round treats on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a cluster of about ten light tan balls dusted thickly with white powdered sugar. On the right, roughly seven dark brown chocolate-covered balls are arranged, each with a smooth, creamy tan center partially showing through a small opening on top. The plate has a smooth, shiny texture with concentric ridges near the rim. In the background, part of a pale yellow ceramic bowl and a yellow plate with brownies can be seen against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These cookies rely on a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. The butter gives richness and tenderness, while the sugars balance texture and sweetness. The flour forms the sturdy base, and vanilla adds that warm, subtle flavor we all adore.

Flat lay of softened unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small mound of powdered sugar in a white ceramic bowl, a small bowl of granulated sugar, a few fresh vanilla beans laid naturally on the surface, a neat pile of all-purpose flour on a white plate, a small white ceramic bowl filled with semi-sweet mini chocolate morsels, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter ensures the dough is creamy and tender, but don’t melt it—just soften it to room temperature for best results.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Used both in the dough and for rolling at the end, this sugar creates that classic snowy coat and melts into the cookie texture perfectly.
Granulated Sugar: Adds a little crunch texture inside the cookie and balances sweetness nicely.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Elevates the cookie flavor with sweet, aromatic warmth—don’t skip this!
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of these cookies, providing structure while keeping them soft.
Semi-Sweet Mini Morsels (Optional): I like adding these for a little chocolate surprise, but skip them if you want classic snowballs.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe is how it invites you to put your own spin on it. I’ve had so much fun tinkering with flavors and mix-ins — honestly, it’s all about what makes you smile when you take a bite.

Variation: I once swapped mini chocolate chips for tiny crushed peppermint candies around Christmas—talk about a festive twist! It added a refreshing zing that you might want to try.
Gluten-Free Option: Using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well, just be gentle with mixing to keep the crumbly texture intact.
Vanilla Twist: A teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla (only if no nut allergies!) adds a richer, deeper flavor I occasionally experiment with.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab your mixer and beat the softened butter with ¼ cup of confectioners’ sugar, the granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. This step is key for creamy dough and tender cookies, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour

Add the all-purpose flour in three batches, mixing well after each addition until fully combined. Use a low speed to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough. If you’re using mini morsels, carefully fold them in now to distribute evenly.

Step 3: Form the Snowballs

Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, roll rounded tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough stays ball-shaped and doesn’t spread much, so leave enough room.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until bottoms are lightly browned but tops stay pale. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes (this helps them firm up), then transfer carefully to a wire rack to cool completely before the next step.

Step 5: The Sweet Snowball Coating

Once cooled, roll each cookie in about ½ cup confectioners’ sugar to get that signature snowy look. Give them a gentle tap to shake off excess sugar, then return to the cooling rack. Here’s the secret: let them rest for an hour and roll them in sugar once more for an irresistible sugar blanket.

Top Tip

Having made these snowball cookies countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference in nailing the texture and flavor every single time.

Butter Temperature: Always use butter at room temperature but not melted to keep the dough creamy and help with the soft crumb.
Don’t Overmix: After adding flour, mix just enough to combine. Overworking will make the cookies hard, not tender.
Double Sugar Roll: That second roll in confectioners’ sugar after resting is what creates the iconic snowball “dusting” while keeping the cookie moist inside.
Spacing Counts: Leave enough room between dough balls because while these cookies don’t spread much, they puff slightly and can stick if too close.

How to Serve Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—just the classic powdered sugar coating. Sometimes during the holidays, I sprinkle a tiny bit of turmeric or cinnamon on top for a warm color contrast and subtle flavor, but honestly, these cookies are perfect just as they are.

Side Dishes

These cookies make a perfect afternoon treat beside a warm cup of tea or coffee. I also love pairing them with fresh fruit or a mild cheese platter for a sweet-savory snack spread that everyone enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arranged a batch of these snowball cookies in a festive tin lined with red and green parchment paper—always a hit at holiday parties. You could also stack them in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay wonderfully tender for up to 5 days. Just keep them separated by parchment paper if you’re stacking to avoid smushing that snowy sugar coating.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! I freeze them after baking and the first sugar roll, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and roll in sugar once more for that fresh snowball magic.

Reheating

Since the cookies are best enjoyed at room temp, I usually just let them sit out for about 15 minutes after thawing. If you want them warm, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave softens them up without melting the sugar coating too much—just be careful not to overdo it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe safe for people with nut allergies?

Absolutely! This recipe contains no nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies. Just double-check all your ingredients to ensure no cross-contamination if it’s critical for you.

Can I make Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap the butter for a vegan butter alternative that holds up in baking and use powdered sugar that’s labeled vegan. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why don’t the cookies spread on the baking sheet?

These cookies have a dense dough with little moisture and no leavening agents, which means they don’t spread in the oven. They bake up in a perfect round shape, just like little snowballs.

Can I add other mix-ins besides mini chocolate chips?

Definitely! You can experiment with dried fruit pieces, sprinkles, or even small bits of toffee. Just be mindful of the texture so you don’t disrupt the delicate, crumbly nature of the cookies.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe have a special place in my recipe box because they bring back the simple joy of baking with loved ones without any fuss or nut worries. Once you try them, I think you’ll agree they’re the kind of cookie everyone needs in their baking rotation. So, warm up that oven and make a batch—you won’t regret it.