Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Yes, you can make snowball cookies with walnuts, and they turn out absolutely delicious with a rich, buttery crunch in every bite.
Walnuts are actually one of the most classic mix-ins for snowball cookies, so you’re not breaking any rules by reaching for that bag in your pantry.
These little powdered sugar-coated treats go by many names, like Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, and walnuts fit right into that tradition.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can make snowball cookies with walnuts, the answer is a resounding yes, and this post will walk you through exactly how to do it.
Let’s dive into why walnuts work so well and how to bake a batch that disappears faster than you can say powdered sugar.
Why You Can Make Snowball Cookies With Walnuts
You can make snowball cookies with walnuts because these cookies are built around finely chopped nuts, and walnuts are a perfect fit.
Here’s why walnuts work so beautifully in this recipe.
1. Walnuts Bring the Right Texture
Snowball cookies get their signature crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture from finely ground or chopped nuts.
Walnuts have a slightly softer bite than pecans or almonds, which means they blend seamlessly into the dough without making it tough.
When you make snowball cookies with walnuts, you get that delicate, sandy crumb that practically dissolves on your tongue.
2. Their Flavor Pairs Perfectly With Butter
Walnuts have a mild, earthy, slightly bitter flavor that balances out the sweetness of powdered sugar and the richness of butter.
That subtle bitterness keeps snowball cookies with walnuts from tasting overly sweet, giving them a more grown-up, rounded flavor.
It’s the kind of combination that makes people reach for a second cookie before they’ve finished the first.
3. They’re Affordable and Easy to Find
Unlike some specialty nuts, walnuts are affordable and available in just about every grocery store.
That makes them a practical choice when you want to make snowball cookies with walnuts without hunting down expensive ingredients.
You can even buy them in bulk and keep them in the freezer so you’re always ready to bake a batch.
How to Make Snowball Cookies With Walnuts
Making snowball cookies with walnuts is straightforward, but a few small details make a big difference in the final result.
Here’s how to get it right.
1. Toast and Chop Your Walnuts
Toasting the walnuts before you chop them deepens their flavor and removes any raw bitterness.
Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant.
Let them cool completely, then chop them finely, almost to a coarse meal, so they distribute evenly through the dough.
2. Use Real Butter, Not Margarine
Snowball cookies with walnuts rely on butter for their rich, tender texture.
Margarine adds water and can make the dough spread or turn greasy.
Use softened unsalted butter and cream it well with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Chill the Dough Before Baking
Once you’ve mixed the dough, chill it for at least 30 minutes.
This firms up the butter and keeps your snowball cookies with walnuts from spreading in the oven.
It also makes the dough easier to roll into neat one-inch balls.
4. Roll in Powdered Sugar Twice
The first roll happens while the cookies are still warm, which helps the sugar stick and creates that snowy coating.
The second roll happens after they’ve cooled, giving them a fresh, clean dusting.
This double-roll trick is what makes snowball cookies with walnuts look so pretty on a holiday platter.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies With Walnuts
A few extra pointers will help you nail this recipe every single time.
1. Don’t Overbake Them
Snowball cookies with walnuts should look pale, not golden, when you pull them from the oven.
If they brown, they’ll turn crunchy instead of tender.
Take them out when the bottoms are just barely set, around 12 to 14 minutes.
2. Chop Nuts Evenly
Uneven pieces mean uneven texture, so take a minute to chop your walnuts consistently.
A food processor works, but pulse it gently so you don’t end up with walnut butter.
3. Store Them Properly
Keep your snowball cookies with walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
You can also freeze them for up to three months, which is great for making ahead during the holidays.
So, Can You Make Snowball Cookies With Walnuts?
You can absolutely make snowball cookies with walnuts, and they’ll be every bit as delicious as the versions made with pecans or almonds.
Walnuts bring a lovely earthy flavor and a tender texture that fits this classic cookie perfectly.
Just remember to toast them, chop them finely, chill your dough, and roll twice in powdered sugar.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving something buttery and sweet, snowball cookies with walnuts are a winning choice.
So grab that bag of walnuts and get baking.