Name: Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (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

There’s something irresistibly cozy about these delicate little treats, and I’m so excited to share my Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe with you. Perfectly buttery, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar—it’s a cookie that feels like a warm hug.

A white plate holds two groups of small round cookies arranged side by side. On the left, there are about ten light beige cookies covered in a white powdered sugar dust, giving them a soft, powdery texture. On the right, a pile of about fifteen dark chocolate-coated cookies reveals a smooth, glossy surface with a small tan center peeking through on top of each one. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft blue background. 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’ve made these nut-free snowball cookies countless times, and each batch brings back sweet memories of holiday kitchens filled with laughter and warmth. They’re simple, reliable, and endlessly adaptable—making them a treat that anyone can enjoy, especially if you're avoiding nuts.

Allergy-Friendly: Completely nut-free, perfect for sharing with friends and family who need to avoid nuts without missing out on classic flavors.
Soft Yet Light Texture: These cookies practically melt on your tongue but hold their delicate shape, thanks to the thoughtful balance of ingredients.
Easy To Make: No fancy techniques or complicated steps—just simple mixing, shaping, and baking, making it approachable for all skill levels.
Customizable: Whether you like to sneak in mini chocolate chips or keep them pure, this recipe adapts beautifully to your preferences.

On a bright yellow plate, there is a small pile of round, light beige cookies coated with a thick layer of white powdered sugar, making their texture look soft and crumbly. Next to them are several dark brown chocolate-covered balls with a smooth surface, each showing a small beige peanut butter center peeking through on top. The plate is set on a clean white marbled surface with a portion of a yellow dish with brownies visible in the corner. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the contrast between the white powdered sugar, chocolate coating, and yellow plate photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness. I’ve found that using softened unsalted butter helps control salt levels and ensures the right butteriness.

Flat lay of a small block of softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine powdered sugar, another small white bowl containing granulated sugar, a few fresh vanilla beans split open, a neat pile of all-purpose flour, and a small white ceramic bowl holding semi-sweet mini chocolate morsels, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, 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: Using unsalted allows you control over the saltiness, and softening it ensures smooth, creamy dough without lumps.
Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): This gives the cookies their signature delicate sweetness and helps with that melt-away texture.
Granulated Sugar: Adds a subtle crunch and depth to the sweetness, balancing the fine confectioners’ sugar.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enriches the flavor and rounds out the buttery goodness.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure; be sure to measure it correctly to keep the cookies tender, not crumbly.
Semi-Sweet Mini Morsels (Optional): I like these in mine for a chocolatey surprise, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer classic simplicity or want a completely allergy-safe cookie.

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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 my favorite things is how this Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe invites a little creativity. Whether you want to add mini chocolate chips or keep it plain, I find it fun to tailor these for different occasions or tastes.

Chocolate Chip Variation: Adding mini semi-sweet morsels adds a little extra surprise that’s always a hit at parties—and the kids adore it!
Spiced Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warm, cozy notes perfect for fall or winter baking seasons.
Gluten-Free Switch: I’ve experimented using a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend—it works well but watch the dough consistency; you might need a touch more butter.
No-Chocolate Option: Keeping these classic—simply omit the morsels for pure, buttery snowballs dusted in sugar.

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)—this ensures it’s perfectly hot when your cookies are ready. Using an electric mixer, whip the softened butter with ¼ cup of the confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes. Creaming these ingredients properly is key to achieving that smooth, tender crumb later on.

Step 2: Incorporate the Flour Gradually

Add the all-purpose flour little by little—about a third of it at a time—and beat in between additions. This slow incorporation prevents lumps and overmixing, which could toughen the cookies. If you're adding mini chocolate chips, gently fold them in at the very end with a spatula.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on ungreased baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. What’s magical here is that these cookies keep their rounded shape without spreading much during baking, so don’t worry if they look like little dough balls on the tray. Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes until they’re just lightly browned on the bottoms.

Step 4: Sugar Coating Magic

After cooling the cookies briefly on the sheets, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then comes the fun part—rolling them in additional confectioners’ sugar. Don’t rush this step; let the cookies sit for about an hour before rolling them one more time. This double coating creates that classic snowball look and a delightful silky finish.

Top Tip

After a few batches, I realized some simple tricks make all the difference in perfecting these delightful cookies. Here’s what works for me:

Soft Butter Is Your Best Friend: Starting with butter that’s just soft enough makes it cream beautifully with the sugars and keeps your dough smooth, avoiding crumbly cookies.
Don’t Skip the Double Dusting: Rolling the snowballs twice in powdered sugar gives that iconic look and makes every bite extra special—you’ll notice the difference.
Cool Completely Before Sugar Coating: If your cookies are too warm, the powdered sugar melts and clumps; patience here leads to that perfect snowy finish.
Use a Wire Rack for Cooling: This keeps air circulating around the cookies so they cool evenly and don’t get soggy on the bottom.

How to Serve Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and let the powdered sugar do the talking, but sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter or a few colored sugar crystals on top to make them festive for holiday gatherings. A tiny dusting of cinnamon sugar can also add a lovely twist if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea—perfect for cozy afternoons. If it’s a holiday party, I love placing them alongside fresh fruit platters or soft cheeses to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging these snowballs in rustic wooden trays layered with parchment paper and sprigs of fresh rosemary or pine for an evergreen scent. They also look adorable stacked in clear glass jars tied with a festive ribbon—great for gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover nut-free snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—they hold their texture beautifully for up to five days. I usually place a small folded paper towel inside the container to catch any residual moisture and keep them fresh.

Freezing

These cookies freeze really well, which is perfect if you want to bake in advance. After the initial powdered sugar coating, freeze the snowballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature and re-roll in powdered sugar for that fresh finish.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat these cookies since they're best enjoyed room temperature, but if you'd like them slightly warm, I pop a few in the microwave for 7-10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they’ll soften too much and lose their shape.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are these cookies really nut-free?

Absolutely! This recipe uses no nuts or nut-based ingredients, making it safe for those with nut allergies, provided your other ingredients are uncontaminated.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

You can try substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative and ensure any added chocolate chips are dairy-free. Texture might vary slightly, but it’s definitely doable!

Why do the cookies need to be rolled twice in powdered sugar?

Rolling twice creates that classic snowball look and ensures the sugar coating stays fresh and doesn’t clump, delivering a smooth, elegant finish and a delicious balance of sweetness.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, which actually helps develop flavor. Just shape and bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to baking time if needed.

Final Thoughts

These nut-free snowball cookies hold a special place in my kitchen. They’re the kind of treat you make when you want to share a little warmth and simple joy without fuss. Whether you bake them for holidays, afternoon tea, or just because, I hope you love making and munching on this Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe as much as I do. Don't be surprised if they become your new go-to cookie for every occasion!