The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about that first snowy afternoon of the season the kind where the air feels crisp, the world gets quiet, and you can’t help but crave something warm, sweet, and a little nostalgic. That’s exactly the feeling I had the year I first made pistachio snowball cookies, and oh my friends, what a moment that was!
When I pulled them out of the oven delicate, buttery, rolled in a blizzard of powdered sugar I felt like a kid again. I remember laughing as the sugar dusted my sweater, the counter, the floor… honestly, everything looked like a festive winter wonderland. And that’s the beauty of baking: the joy isn’t only in the eating, but in the tiny memories we make along the way.
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.
And these pistachio snowball cookies? They are one of those little sweets that make people smile instantly. They melt in your mouth, have the perfect nutty crunch, and look like the cutest edible snowballs.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting them to friends, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these pistachio snowball cookies bring softness, coziness, and a sprinkle of magic to your kitchen.
Now… let’s make your home smell like the world’s sweetest winter wonderland. 💚❄️
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Chill: 30 minutes
- Bake: 12–14 minutes
- Total: ~1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but heavenly)
For Rolling:
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and absolutely dreamy. This step gives snowball cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2 — Add Vanilla (and Almond Extract if using)
Mix in the vanilla and optional almond extract. Almond extract paired with pistachios? Perfection.
Step 3 — Add Flour & Salt
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low until combined. The dough will look a little crumbly — that’s exactly right.
Step 4 — Add the Pistachios
Fold in the chopped pistachios until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5 — Chill
Cover the bowl and chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies keep their shape.
Step 6 — Roll & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 7 — Sugar Coat
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
Once they’re fully cool, roll them again for the perfect snowy finish. ❄️💕
Serving Suggestions
These little gems aren’t just cookies they’re tiny holiday moments. Try serving them:
- With hot cocoa topped with whipped cream
- On a festive cookie platter with peppermint bark and shortbread
- As gifts wrapped in clear bags with a ribbon
- With a cappuccino for a soft, sweet afternoon treat
- On Christmas morning while unwrapping gifts
Light, buttery, nutty, and snow-dusted… what’s not to love?
📝 Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pistachios lightly before chopping
- Don’t skip chilling it’s the secret to round cookies
- These cookies freeze beautifully (uncoated or coated)
- Swap pistachios for pecans or almonds for variations
- If you want a greener color, add 1–2 drops of gel food coloring
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Cookie, Approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 11g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Recipe Card
Pistachio Snowball Cookies ❄️💚
Ingredients 🛒
- Butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla
- Salt, pistachios, optional almond extract
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions 👩🍳
- Cream butter + powdered sugar
- Mix in extracts
- Add flour + salt
- Fold in pistachios
- Chill dough
- Roll + bake 12–14 mins
- Roll in powdered sugar twice
Notes 📝
Chill dough, toast nuts if desired, freeze well.
Enjoy your cozy winter treat! 🎄✨
Conclusion
Every time I make these pistachio snowball cookies, I’m reminded of how baking brings us back to the simple joys warmth in the kitchen, powdered sugar everywhere, and the satisfaction of sharing something delicious with the people we love.
From my little French-American kitchen to yours, I hope these cookies bring softness, sweetness, and sparkle to your season.
Happy baking, my friends. ❄️💚🍪
