These delicate buttery snowball cookies are light, crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside. Made with real butter, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla and almond extract, then coated in a thick blanket of snowy sugar, these cookies are perfect for holidays, tea time, or anytime you crave a simple, elegant dessert. The addition of panko breadcrumbs gives them an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture unlike traditional cookies.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Holiday bakers looking for a classic yet unique cookie
- Tea and coffee lovers who enjoy light, buttery treats
- Beginner bakers who want an easy, foolproof recipe
- Anyone who loves soft, delicate, sugar-coated cookies
- Gift bakers creating festive cookie boxes
Why It’s Great
⭐ Rich buttery flavor with a light, crisp texture
⭐ No complicated steps or fancy tools required
⭐ Perfect for holidays, weddings, and special occasions
⭐ Almond and vanilla create a bakery-quality taste
⭐ Coated in powdered sugar for a beautiful snowy finish
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
For Garnish
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the extracts and mix until fully blended.
- Fold in flour and panko, stirring gently until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies into small bite-size balls and arrange them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool slightly, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Cool completely, then roll again in sugar for a thick snowy coating.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh up to 10 days.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Roll in fresh sugar after thawing.
❓ FAQ
Why use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch or nuts?
Panko creates an ultra-light, airy texture while keeping the cookies crisp and tender.
Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes! Replace it with extra vanilla for a classic butter-cookie flavor.
Can I add flavor variations?
Absolutely—try lemon zest, cocoa powder, or cinnamon for seasonal twists.
Do these cookies spread while baking?
No, they keep their round shape beautifully.
Conclusion
These buttery snowball cookies are simple, elegant, and irresistibly light with a soft, delicate crunch. The double sugar coating gives them a festive look while the vanilla-almond flavor makes them unforgettable. Whether for holidays, gifts, or everyday indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
