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Italian Snowballs Cookies, also known as Kipfels, are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. Delicate, buttery and generously coated in powdered sugar, they practically melt in your mouth. Made with only five ingredients, finely ground pecans and a few other pantry staples, these cookies are unforgettable.

Often found on Christmas cookie trays across Europe and the U.S., Kipfels are beloved for their soft, crumbly texture and subtle nutty flavor. They are perfect to add to your favorite Christmas Cookie Box or served alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. This cookie recipe is my grandmas and has been on our Christmas table every year.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

• Buttery and tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Not overly sweet, making them perfect after a big holiday meal
• Easy to make with only a few ingredients and even better then next day
• A timeless addition to any festive cookie assortment

Ingredient Notes

Unsalted Butter
Use high quality butter and make sure that it is softened to room temperature. Butter is the star of this recipe so good butter really does matter.

Powdered Sugar
Powdered Sugar is used both in the dough and for rolling the cookies after baking. It creates that signature snowball look and delicate sweetness.

All Purpose Flour
Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding too much which will make the cookies dry.

Pecans
Traditional Kipfels are made with finely ground pecans, but you can also use walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts. Make sure the nuts are very finely ground-almost like flour-for the best texture.

Tips for the Perfect Snowball Cookies

• Grind the nuts finely: Large nut pieces will affect the delicate texture of the cookies. Use a food processor for the best texture.
• Don't Overmix: Mix just until the dough comes together to keep the cookies tender.
• Roll While Warm: Roll the warm cookies in the powdered sugar to ensure that it sticks and coats the best.
• Store Properly: These cookies taste even better the next day! Make sure to store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Print

Snowball Cookies

Italian Snowballs Cookies, also known as Kipfels, are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. Delicate, buttery and generously coated in powdered sugar, they practically melt in your mouth. Made with only five ingredients, finely ground pecans and a few other pantry staples, these cookies are unforgettable.

Course Cookie

Cuisine Dessert

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Author Kristen Massad

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Butter
• ⅓ Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ½ tsp Salt
• 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1 Cup Pecans

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 F
• Cream the butter, sugar, vanilla extract and salt until fully combined
• Add the all purpose flour and pecans and mix until it comes together into a ball
• Scoop the dough into 1” balls (I like to use an ice cream scoop) onto a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden
• Let cool and then dredge in powdered sugar until fully coated