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); 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup semi-sweet mini morsels (optional); 1/2 cup additional confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)

There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s completely safe for those with allergies. This Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe is that comforting treat — delicate, buttery, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar. It's a classic that everyone can enjoy without worry.

The image shows a white plate holding two types of round treats arranged next to each other. On the left side, there are about ten light-colored balls dusted with white powdered sugar, giving them a soft, powdery texture. On the right side, there are approximately fifteen bite-sized round pieces covered in a smooth dark chocolate shell with a tan center visible on top. The plate is placed 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 absolutely adore this Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe because it feels nostalgic but with a safe twist—no nuts to worry about, making it perfect for sharing at any gathering. They deliver that classic snowball texture and sweetness we all love.

Allergy-Friendly: Crafted without nuts, this recipe is perfect for friends and family with nut sensitivities, so no one has to miss out.
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, you don’t need any fancy items to whip these up quickly.
Perfect Texture: Soft, crumbly, and buttery—these cookies just melt in your mouth every single time.
Customizable: You can easily add mini chocolate chips to amp up the flavor or keep them plain to savor the buttery goodness.

A bright yellow plate holds two groups of small round treats arranged side by side. The larger group at the center shows pale beige cookies covered in a thick layer of white powdered sugar giving them a soft, powdery texture. To their right, there are smaller dark brown chocolate-covered balls with a tan center visible on top, showing a smooth, glossy chocolate shell with a creamy texture inside. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with part of a yellow tray holding darker brown brownies and white candies visible in the upper left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on classic cookie ingredients, carefully combined to create that iconic snowball cookie texture. Each element plays a special role—from the butter's richness to the double dusting of powdered sugar that finishes them just right.

Flat lay of a square stick of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with granulated white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl holding amber-colored vanilla extract, a mound of loose all-purpose flour, and a small pile of glossy semi-sweet mini chocolate morsels, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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 softened butter ensures the dough is creamy and smooth, imparting that rich, tender texture we crave.
Confectioners’ Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Divided amounts are used both in the dough and on top, giving these cookies their signature snowball look and a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness and helps with a subtle crispness on the outside.
Pure Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in enhancing the cookie’s flavor without overpowering it.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender and crumbly.
Semi-Sweet Mini Morsels (Optional): These add a fun chocolatey twist if you want to jazz up the classic—totally optional but delicious!

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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

I love how adaptable this Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe is. Whether you want to toss in a handful of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness or keep it utterly classic, it’s super easy to tailor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of citrus zest if you want a twist!

Chocolate Chip Variation: Adding mini semi-sweet morsels is my go-to when serving these to chocoholics—they add just the right pop of flavor without overwhelming the delicate texture.
Spice it Up: I've sometimes mixed in a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg to warm things up for the holidays—it’s a subtle but game-changing touch.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well if gluten is a concern; just be sure to check your vanilla extract and other additives for safety.

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

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by softening your butter so it’s easy to mix. I use an electric mixer and beat the butter with ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla for about two minutes. You want a creamy and light mixture—that’s when you know it’s ready to take on the flour.

Step 2: Slowly Add the Flour

Add your flour in three installments. This gradual addition helps keep the dough tender and prevents clumping. Each time, mix until fully incorporated but don't overbeat—the dough will be crumbly but should come together when pressed.

Step 3: Stir in Optional Chocolate Chips

If you’re adding mini semi-sweet morsels, fold them in gently at this stage. I find the minis are perfect because they don’t weigh down the dough or disrupt the shape when baking.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into rounded 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes—you want them just lightly browned. Don’t worry that they look like little balls still; that’s exactly what makes them snowball cookies!

Step 5: Double Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once cooled for a few minutes on the baking sheet and then transferred to a wire rack, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Let them rest for an hour and roll them again—this two-step rolling ensures that iconic snowy coating that’s both pretty and delicious.

Top Tip

From baking these Nut-Free Snowball Cookies countless times, I’ve learned that the key to nailing their delicate texture is really in the butter’s temperature and the double sugar dusting. Here are some tips that saved me plenty of stress and ensured perfect cookies every time.

Butter Softness: Too soft and the dough gets greasy; too cold and it won’t cream well—aim for room temperature but still slightly firm.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just enough to combine ingredients; overdoing it can make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Double Dusting: The wait between the first and second powdered sugar coating is crucial to get that signature snowball look and prevent them from sweating.
Use a Wire Rack: Cooling on a rack helps air circulate, preventing soggy bottoms and keeping the cookies crisp on the outside.

How to Serve Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with the classic powdered sugar finish which looks snowy and feels just right for these cookies. Sometimes, for special occasions, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or crushed freeze-dried raspberries to give a pop of color and festive flair.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For holiday parties, I like setting them alongside spiced cider or a rich hot chocolate to complement their buttery sweetness and add warmth to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or special events, I arrange them in festive tins layered with parchment paper or stack them in clear jars with ribbons tied around the neck. I've even made mini cookie bouquets by putting sticks in the cookies—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Nut-Free Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they keep well for up to five days. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper so they don’t stick together or crumble.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, flash freeze them spaced on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Cookie freezing keeps them fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To freshen up room-temperature cookies, I pop them into a warm oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes. It revives that just-baked softness without melting the powdered sugar coating. Avoid microwaving, as it can turn them tough.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are these cookies completely nut-free?

Yes! This Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe contains no nuts at all, making it safe for those with nut allergies. However, always ensure your ingredients, especially any optional mini morsels, are processed in nut-free facilities if cross-contamination is a concern.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend with xanthan gum included. Just check that your other ingredients are gluten-free certified to avoid any issues.

Why do I roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?

The first coating sets as the cookies cool, and letting them rest allows the sugar to adhere properly. Rolling them a second time creates that signature snowy finish, making them look beautiful and taste perfectly sweet on the outside.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to five days. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out.

Final Thoughts

This Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me that simple, allergy-friendly treats can still be rich, comforting, and downright delicious. I hope you give these a try as much as I enjoyed sharing them with you—they’re sure to become a favorite in your home, too!