The Story & Intro
If there’s one holiday treat that instantly transports me back to childhood, it’s a plate of gluten-free snowball cookies. I still remember standing on my tiptoes, watching my grandmother dust each warm cookie with a generous snowfall of powdered sugar. They looked like tiny winter treasures soft, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth magical. These days, whenever snow starts sprinkling outside my kitchen window, I can’t help but crave that same cozy feeling.
But before we dive deeper into these irresistible gluten-free snowball cookies, let me tell you a little about me, the girl behind the whisk.
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
These cookies are exactly the kind of recipe that makes my heart feel warm. They’re simple, quick, and timeless. And because so many of my American friends follow gluten-free lifestyles, I’ve perfected a version that keeps all the buttery goodness without sacrificing texture. The result? Soft, crumbly cookie bites that taste like sweet clouds dusted with winter magic.
Gluten-free baking can feel intimidating, but trust me this recipe is simple, reliable, and delightfully fun, especially if you enjoy a kitchen that looks like it survived a powdered-sugar snowstorm. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting treats to friends, or just craving a bite of something nostalgic, these gluten-free snowball cookies will bring joy to every bite.
And now… let’s create something delicious together. 💛
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
- Bake: 12–14 minutes
- Total: ~1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the delicate texture that makes snowball cookies irresistible.
2. Add vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined. Your kitchen should smell heavenly about now.
3. Add dry ingredients
Stir in the gluten-free flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms slightly crumbly but easy to press together.
4. Fold in the nuts
Gently add your chopped pecans (or your preferred nuts). The nuts create that signature tender crunch.
5. Chill the dough
Cover the bowl and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their round shape while baking.
6. Roll into balls
Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into smooth little balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
8. Roll in powdered sugar
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. Let them cool, then roll them again for that perfect snow-dusted look.
Serving Suggestions
- Pile them high on a festive plate and let guests grab a few at a time.
- Package them in clear treat bags with ribbon for a charming edible gift.
- Serve with hot cocoa, chai latte, mulled wine, or a classic mug of coffee.
- Add them to a holiday cookie board alongside gingerbread men and peppermint bark.
📝 Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Swap nuts with mini chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
- Make-Ahead: The dough can be refrigerated for 48 hours or frozen up to 3 months.
- Double Sugar Coating: Don’t skip the second roll it’s the secret to the iconic snowy finish.
- Texture Tip: If the dough feels too dry, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Recipe Card
Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe ❄️
Ingredients 🛒
- Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla
- Gluten-free flour, salt
- Pecans
Instructions 👩🍳
- Beat butter + sugar
- Add vanilla
- Mix in dry ingredients
- Fold in nuts
- Chill
- Roll into balls
- Bake at 350°F
- Coat in powdered sugar
Cook Time ⏱️
12–14 minutes
Notes 📝
For extra snowy cookies, double coat in powdered sugar.
Conclusion
There’s something beautifully nostalgic about gluten-free snowball cookies they remind us of winter mornings, cozy kitchens, and shared laughter. They’re simple, sweet, and full of comfort, just like the recipes I grew up making back in France… only now baked with American warmth and joy.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope these cookies bring a little sparkle to your season. Bake them for someone you love, and may every bite taste like a soft, snowy memory. ❄️💛
