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There’s something magical about biting into a soft, buttery cookie only to discover a chocolatey surprise in the center. That’s exactly what you get with the snowball kiss recipe! This delightful holiday treat combines the classic powdered sugar-covered snowball cookie with a hidden Hershey’s Kiss for an irresistible combination.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a cookie exchange, or just a sweet craving, this recipe is a must-try. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the origins of snowball kiss cookies to the best ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to make them perfect every time. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
What is a Snowball Kiss Cookie?
The Origin of Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies, sometimes called Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, or even butterball cookies, have been around for centuries. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are traditionally made with butter, powdered sugar, flour, and nuts, giving them a rich, crumbly texture.
But where did they originate? While the exact history is debated, most believe these cookies have European roots, appearing in various forms across countries like Russia, Austria, and Spain. They were later brought to the U.S., where they became a staple at holiday gatherings and special occasions.
How the ‘Kiss’ Variation Became Popular
The snowball kiss recipe takes the traditional snowball cookie to the next level by adding a chocolate kiss in the center. This genius twist likely emerged in the mid-20th century when Hershey’s Kisses became widely popular in home baking. The combination of buttery shortbread, powdered sugar, and a hidden chocolate surprise makes these cookies irresistible and festive.
Want to know why people love them so much? Simple:
✔️ They’re easy to make.
✔️ They melt in your mouth.
✔️ The hidden chocolate adds a fun surprise.
✔️ They look beautiful on any dessert table.
Now that you know the history, let’s dive into why this recipe should be on your baking list!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Perfect Holiday Treat
What’s the holiday season without a little extra sweetness? The snowball kiss recipe is a staple for Christmas cookie trays, cookie exchanges, and festive gatherings. Their snowy powdered sugar coating makes them look like mini winter wonders, perfect for adding a festive touch to any dessert table.
But these cookies aren’t just for the holidays! They’re an excellent choice for birthdays, family get-togethers, or whenever you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth treat with a chocolatey surprise.
Easy, Fun, and Kid-Friendly
If you love a simple, no-fuss baking experience, this recipe is for you! With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are easy enough for beginners and fun enough for kids to help with.
Want to make it a fun family activity? Let kids roll the dough into balls, hide the Hershey’s Kisses inside, and coat the cookies in powdered sugar once they cool. It’s a great way to create sweet memories while baking!
Key Ingredients and Their Role
The Importance of Butter and Sugar
The foundation of any great snowball cookie is high-quality butter. Since this recipe doesn’t use eggs, the butter plays a major role in binding the dough and providing a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of the cookies.
Powdered sugar is another key player. Unlike granulated sugar, it dissolves easily into the dough, giving the cookies their signature delicate texture. Plus, rolling the baked cookies in extra powdered sugar gives them that classic snowy look!
Choosing the Right Chocolate Kiss
The best part of a snowball kiss cookie? That chocolatey surprise in the center! While classic Hershey’s Kisses are the most popular choice, you can switch things up by using:
✔ Dark chocolate kisses for a richer flavor.
✔ White chocolate kisses for extra sweetness.
✔ Caramel-filled kisses for a gooey surprise.
✔ Mint or almond-flavored kisses for a unique twist.
Want a nut-free option? Stick with classic chocolate kisses and skip the nuts in the dough, they’ll still turn out perfectly delicious!
⭐Recipe – How to Make the Perfect Snowball Kiss Recipe
A Sweet Surprise in Every Bite
There’s nothing better than the combination of a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie and a hidden chocolate center. This snowball kiss recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter 🧈 (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup powdered sugar 🍚 (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (optional for extra crunch)
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses 🍫 (unwrapped)
👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3️⃣ Mix the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add this to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If using pecans, fold them in at this stage.
4️⃣ Shape the cookies. Take about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Gently wrap the dough around the chocolate and roll it into a smooth ball.
5️⃣ Bake to perfection. Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
6️⃣ Cool and coat. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. For an extra snowy effect, roll them a second time once completely cooled.
📋 Additional Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
Enjoy your snowball kiss cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of milk for the ultimate sweet treat!
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Why Your Cookies Might Be Too Crumbly
One common issue with snowball kiss cookies is that they can turn out too dry or crumbly. Here’s why:
✔ Not enough butter – This recipe relies on butter to bind the dough. If your cookies fall apart, try adding an extra tablespoon of softened butter.
✔ Over-mixing the dough – Once the flour is added, mix only until combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies.
✔ Skipping the resting time – If your dough feels too dry, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This allows the flour to absorb moisture and makes rolling easier.
The Secret to a Perfectly Baked Snowball Kiss
Want to get that perfect light and buttery texture? Keep these tips in mind:
✔ Chill the dough – If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle.
✔ Use parchment paper – Baking directly on the sheet can cause the bottoms to brown too quickly. Parchment paper ensures even baking.
✔ Double coat in powdered sugar – The first coating melts slightly into the cookies, while the second gives them their classic snowy look.
With these simple tricks, your snowball kiss cookies will turn out perfect every time!
However, you can explore Simply Recipes for more delicious baking ideas!
Variations to Try
Nut-Free and Gluten-Free Alternatives
Want to make these cookies allergy-friendly? No problem! Here’s how:
✔ Nut-Free Version: Simply omit the chopped pecans from the recipe. The cookies will still have their classic buttery flavor and soft texture.
✔ Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Brands like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill work best to maintain the right texture.
These tweaks ensure that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy the snowball kiss recipe!
Fun Flavors: Peppermint, White Chocolate, and More
Looking to add a twist? Try these fun variations:
✔ Peppermint Snowball Kisses: Use peppermint-flavored Hershey’s Kisses and add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough.
✔ White Chocolate Snowballs: Replace milk chocolate kisses with white chocolate kisses for a creamy, sweeter taste.
✔ Double Chocolate Delight: Use cocoa powder (about 2 tablespoons) in the dough for a rich, chocolate-flavored cookie.
With these creative spins, you can make a new version of snowball kiss cookies every time you bake!
How to Store and Keep Fresh
Best Practices for Storage
To keep your snowball kiss cookies soft and delicious, follow these storage tips:
✔ Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
✔ Refrigerator: These cookies don’t need to be refrigerated, but if you want to extend their shelf life, they’ll last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Snowball Kiss Cookies?
Absolutely! Snowball kiss cookies freeze well both before and after baking:
✔ Freezing the Dough: Shape the dough around the Hershey’s Kisses, then freeze the unbaked cookies on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply add 2 extra minutes to the baking time.
✔ Freezing Baked Cookies: Let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and roll in fresh powdered sugar before eating.
With proper storage, you can enjoy these delicious cookies anytime you crave them!
👉 For more delicious holiday treats, check out our Oreo Balls Recipe !
Snowball Kiss Cookies
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans optional for extra crunch
- 24 Hershey’s Kisses unwrapped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add this to the butter mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If using pecans, fold them in at this stage.
- Take about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Gently wrap the dough around the chocolate and roll it into a smooth ball.
- Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, about an inch apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm.
- For an extra snowy effect, roll them a second time once completely cooled.
Notes
FAQs – Answering Common Questions
Baking can be tricky, especially if you’re trying a snowball kiss recipe for the first time. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers to help you achieve perfect results!
Why do my snowball cookies fall apart?
If your cookies crumble too easily, it’s likely due to:
✔ Not enough butter – Butter helps bind the dough, so make sure you’re using the correct amount.
✔ Overbaking – These cookies should be baked just until lightly golden on the bottom. Overbaking can make them too dry.
✔ Skipping the cooling process – Let them cool for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar; otherwise, they might break apart.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! While Hershey’s Kisses are the classic choice, you can use mini peanut butter cups, caramel-filled chocolates, or even chocolate chunks for a unique twist.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and enjoy them later!
Do I have to use nuts in the recipe?
Nope! If you prefer a nut-free version, just leave them out. The cookies will still be buttery and delicious.
What’s the best way to get powdered sugar to stick?
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still slightly warm. This helps the first layer to stick, and once they’re completely cool, roll them a second time for that perfect snowy look.
Can I make these ahead of time for an event?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
What’s the difference between snowball cookies and Russian tea cakes?
They’re actually the same! These cookies go by different names depending on the region, some call them Mexican wedding cookies, while others refer to them as Russian tea cakes.
Final Thoughts & Serving Suggestions
Pairing Ideas: Coffee, Hot Cocoa, or Dessert Platters
A warm beverage is the perfect companion for these buttery cookies. Try pairing your snowball kiss cookies with:
✔ Hot cocoa – The chocolatey goodness complements the hidden Hershey’s Kiss inside.
✔ Coffee or espresso – A slightly bitter coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.
✔ Tea – A mild, unsweetened tea like chamomile or green tea pairs well with the buttery texture.
For a dessert platter, serve these alongside peppermint bark, sugar cookies, and chocolate truffles for a festive treat everyone will love!
A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Whether you’re making these for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this snowball kiss recipe is guaranteed to impress. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and surprise chocolate center, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, start baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!