Strawberry Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth with a delicate strawberry flavor that makes them feel light, sweet, and slightly nostalgic. These cookies are a fun twist on classic snowball cookies, using strawberry flavor to give them a gentle pink hue and a fruity finish that pairs beautifully with the powdered sugar coating. They’re perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or anytime you want a pretty cookie that’s easy to make but still feels special.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth
- Sweet strawberry flavor without being overpowering
- Beautiful pink color that looks festive and fun
- Easy dough made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for cookie trays, gifting, and special occasions
- Stores and freezes very well
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: ½ cup finely chopped nuts or white chocolate chips
Recommended Baking Tools
Cookie Scoop Set – helps you scoop the dough evenly for perfect snowball cookies.
Baking Sheet Set – gives even heat and prevents cookies from burning.
Silicone Baking Mats – stop sticking and make baking easier.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – help you measure ingredients accurately.
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries and mix well to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Add flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in nuts or white chocolate chips if using.
- Scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until set but still pale.
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar while warm.
- Once completely cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Cooking Notes
Snowball cookies should remain light in color and not brown. Overbaking will dry them out and ruin their tender texture. Rolling the cookies while warm helps the powdered sugar stick, while the second coating gives that classic snowball look.
Variations
- Add white chocolate chips for a strawberries-and-cream flavor
- Dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate
- Use raspberry or strawberry powder instead of freeze-dried strawberries
- Make them nut-free by skipping nuts entirely
- Add a drop of pink food coloring for a brighter color
Tips
- Use freeze-dried strawberries, not fresh or frozen
- Crush strawberries very finely for even flavor
- Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough
- Handle warm cookies gently, they’re delicate
- Don’t skip the second sugar coating
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
- Add to Valentine’s Day or holiday cookie trays
- Package in gift boxes or tins
- Pair with vanilla or chocolate cookies
- Dust with extra powdered sugar just before serving
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Approximate values
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries?
No. Fresh strawberries add moisture and will ruin the texture. Freeze-dried strawberries work best.
Do these cookies taste very sweet?
No. The strawberry flavor is light and balanced by the buttery dough.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking.
Do these cookies freeze well?
Yes. Freeze baked cookies without powdered sugar, then roll after thawing.
Why do I need to roll them twice in sugar?
The first roll melts slightly, the second creates the snowy coating.
Conclusion
Strawberry Snowball Cookies are a beautiful, fruity twist on a classic favorite. With their soft texture, gentle strawberry flavor, and pretty powdered sugar finish, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just because, these cookies add a touch of sweetness and charm to any occasion.