The Story & Intro
If there’s one treat that instantly transports me back to the magic of childhood winters, it’s gluten-free snowball cookies. I remember the first time I ever saw them tiny, powdered-sugar–dusted spheres that looked like they’d rolled straight out of a Christmas fairy tale. In my grandmother’s kitchen near Montmartre, I’d watch her shape them with the gentlest hands, as if she were crafting miniature snowmen. She’d always wink at me and say, “Ma chérie, the secret is to make them with love.”
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 let me tell you: gluten-free snowball cookies never fail to earn a smile. They’re melt-in-your-mouth tender, buttery (yes, still buttery even gluten-free!), and lightly sweet with a cloud of powdered sugar.
When I moved to the States, one of my biggest baking challenges was recreating classic holiday recipes for my friends who couldn’t have gluten. So, I rolled up my sleeves, turned on my favorite Edith Piaf playlist, and began experimenting. After many delicious trials (and some not-so-delicious ones), I perfected the most irresistible gluten-free snowball cookies crispy on the outside, delicate on the inside, and full of that cozy nostalgia we all crave.
These cookies are perfect for gifting, nibbling beside a cup of hot cocoa, or adding sparkle to your holiday dessert table. And whether or not you follow a gluten-free lifestyle, I promise: these little snowy bites will convince you they’re every bit as magical as the classic version.
Let’s bake some joy, oui? ❄️💛
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: About 50 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these dreamy gluten-free snowball cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but divine!)
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (measure carefully)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
👩🍳 Instructions
4
Follow these simple and cozy steps to get the perfect gluten-free snowball cookies every time:
- Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until fluffy and creamy. This creates the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture snowball cookies are famous for. - Add your extracts
Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond extract adds that magical bakery-style aroma, but if you’re not an almond fan, you can skip it. - Incorporate dry ingredients
Add the gluten-free flour and salt. Mix slowly until a dough forms it will look slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed. - Fold in the nuts
Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts. They add crunch and warmth to every bite. - Chill the dough
Cover and pop the dough into the fridge for 20 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their round shape. - Shape the snowballs
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to make perfect little balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are light golden but the tops remain pale. - First sugar roll
While still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar. This creates the first snowy layer that sticks beautifully. - Cool and roll again
Let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes, then give them a second roll in powdered sugar to achieve the signature snowball look.
Serving Suggestions
These gluten-free snowball cookies shine in so many ways:
- Serve them on a holiday cookie platter with hot cocoa or mulled cider.
- Gift them in cute tins lined with parchment.
- Pair them with espresso for a cozy winter afternoon treat.
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a fresh twist.
- Swap nuts for mini chocolate chips for a fun spin.
📝 Notes
- Make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Pecans give a softer, buttery crunch; walnuts give a slightly earthier taste.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- These freeze beautifully just thaw and freshly powder before serving.
🍽️ Nutrition (per cookie)
- Calories: ~120
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 9g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
📇 Recipe Card
❄️ Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies
⏱️ Total Time: 50 minutes
🍪 Yield: 24 cookies
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups gluten-free flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- Powdered sugar for rolling
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cream butter + powdered sugar.
- Add extracts + dry ingredients.
- Fold in nuts.
- Chill dough 20 minutes.
- Roll into balls.
- Bake 12–14 min at 350°F.
- Roll warm cookies in sugar.
- Cool + roll again.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friends the most enchanting, melt-in-your-mouth gluten-free snowball cookies, straight from my Parisian-American heart to your kitchen. These little snowy treasures bring warmth, nostalgia, and a sprinkle of holiday wonder to every bite. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, gluten-free guests, or simply treating yourself (which you absolutely deserve!), this recipe will become one you revisit again and again.
From my cozy kitchen to yours bon appétit, and may your holidays be full of sweetness, love, and lots of powdered sugar magic. ❄️✨