Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies

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Buttery, tender, and dusted with a flurry of powdered sugar, Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. Each bite melts effortlessly in your mouth, delivering a rich, creamy texture and delicate sweetness that will transport you to cookie heaven. Perfect for gifting or adding to your festive dessert table, these snowball cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite.

What makes these cookies unforgettable is the addition of cream cheese. It gives them a slight tang and luxurious mouthfeel that balances beautifully with vanilla and buttery notes. Plus, they come together quickly and don’t require any complicated decorating — a win for busy bakers craving something classic and irresistible.

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What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

For the creamiest texture and best flavor, stick with full-fat block cream cheese (not the whipped or tub versions). Let it soften at room temperature for easy blending and smooth dough. Avoid low-fat cream cheese, as it can alter the texture and richness of the final cookie.

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Ingredients for the Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (optional but recommended)

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How To Make the Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until completely smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.

Step 2: Add Sweetness and Flavor

Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt gradually to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough starts to come together. Stir in the chopped pecans if using.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place them about 1 inch apart.

Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Roll in Sugar

Once slightly cooled but still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For extra coverage, roll them again after they’ve completely cooled.

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How to Serve and Store Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh with a mug of coffee, hot cocoa, or spiced tea. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them a delightful ending to a festive meal or a standout addition to a cookie exchange.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies (without powdered sugar) for up to 3 months. Re-roll in sugar after thawing to refresh their snowy coating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have to Use Pecans?

Not at all! You can leave them out or replace with walnuts, almonds, or even mini chocolate chips.

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking.

Do These Cookies Spread While Baking?

Very little. Chilling the dough is key to keeping them round and puffy.

Can I Use Salted Butter Instead?

If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to just a pinch.

How Do I Know When They’re Done?

Look for light golden bottoms and set tops. They should not brown on top.

Can I Double the Recipe?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well and make a great gift batch.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Cream Cheese Snowball Cookies, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious treats:

• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies — Festive and fruity with a buttery base.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites — Mini bites of gooey, nutty perfection.
• Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies — A shortcut favorite with classic taste.
• Lemon Sugar Cookies — Bright and tangy with a soft, chewy texture.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars — A layered dessert bar with warm cinnamon sugar flair.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts or keep them plain? Try dusting them with cinnamon sugar instead of classic powdered?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter. For more daily sweets, follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

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