There’s something magical about cookies that melt in your mouth. Add some finely chopped nuts, a touch of vanilla, and a generous roll in powdered sugar, and you’ve got a winning combination: Butternut Cookies. Also known as snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, or Mexican wedding cookies, these delicate morsels have stood the test of time—and for good reason.
Whether you’re planning for the holidays, looking to impress your guests, or just craving a bite of something cozy, this Butternut Cookies recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to follow, uses basic pantry ingredients, and delivers delicious results every single time. Let’s dive deep into how you can make these crowd-pleasing cookies at home, plus some expert tips, fun variations, and frequently asked questions.
What Are Butternut Cookies?
Butternut cookies are a classic dessert made with butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, and nuts—usually pecans or walnuts. Once baked, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, giving them their signature “snowball” appearance and sweet outer coating.
The beauty of butternut cookies lies in their simplicity. There’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated steps. The dough comes together easily, and they bake up perfectly round and tender, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
These cookies are:
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Buttery and tender with a crumbly texture
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Packed with rich nut flavor
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Lightly sweetened and melt-in-your-mouth delicious
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Great for gifting or special occasions
And best of all, they hold a nostalgic charm that makes them feel like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Butternut Cookies Recipe
Still wondering if these cookies are worth making? Here are just a few reasons why this easy butternut cookies recipe is worth saving to your favorites:
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Simple ingredients: No fancy or expensive items required—just butter, flour, sugar, vanilla, and nuts.
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Beginner-friendly: You don’t need to be a baking expert to make these work.
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Customizable: Swap in your favorite nuts, add a citrus twist, or drizzle with chocolate.
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Freezer-friendly: Make the dough ahead or freeze the baked cookies for later.
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Perfect for holidays and events: Their snowy look makes them a go-to for Christmas cookie trays.
These cookies may look dainty, but they’re full of bold, buttery flavor and pure nostalgia.
Ingredients for Butternut Cookies
To make the perfect batch of butternut cookies, you’ll need the following:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
🧈 Tip: Make sure your butter is truly softened—not melted. It makes all the difference in the texture.
Optional add-ins:
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Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrus twist
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A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
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Mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Butternut Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is crucial—it sets the foundation for your cookies’ soft texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Then gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing just until everything is combined. Fold in the chopped nuts with a spatula or spoon.
The dough may seem crumbly at first, but keep mixing until it comes together like a soft dough.
Step 4: Roll and Chill
Using your hands, roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. You can chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to help them hold their shape better in the oven.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale—don’t wait for browning on top!
Step 6: Sugar Coating
While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in a bowl of powdered sugar. Let them cool, then roll them again to get that perfect snowy white finish.
Storage Tips for Butternut Cookies
Butternut cookies are ideal for making ahead and storing:
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7–10 days.
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Freezer: Freeze baked cookies (before rolling in sugar) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just thaw and roll in powdered sugar before serving.
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Unbaked dough: You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them fresh when needed.
Fun Flavor Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can start experimenting with fun twists:
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Chocolate-Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let it set for a fancier presentation.
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Almond Extract: Add 1/2 tsp almond extract for a nuttier punch.
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Coconut Snowballs: Roll cookies in shredded coconut before baking.
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Lemon Zest: Brighten the flavor with some citrus zest added to the dough.
These cookies are super versatile—you can make them your own in so many tasty ways.
Serving Ideas
Butternut cookies are perfect for:
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Holiday cookie exchanges
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Tea parties or bridal showers
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Afternoon coffee breaks
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Gift boxes or tins
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Anytime snacking (because who needs a reason?)
Pair them with warm beverages like coffee, chai, or cocoa for the ultimate comfort combo.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with binding.
What’s the best nut to use?
Pecans and walnuts are the most traditional. However, almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts are all great options.
Why did my cookies flatten?
This usually happens if the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Try refrigerating the dough next time before baking.
Can I skip the nuts?
You technically can, but the nuts give these cookies their signature flavor and texture. If you’re allergic, try using finely crushed pretzels or oats for a bit of crunch.
Conclusion: Butternut Cookies Are a Sweet Tradition Worth Sharing
There’s a reason butternut cookies have stood the test of time—they’re easy to make, endlessly delicious, and look absolutely beautiful on any dessert table. From their tender, buttery texture to their nutty richness and powdered sugar coating, every bite is a celebration of comfort and tradition.
Whether you're a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this butternut cookies recipe will never steer you wrong. Plus, with keywords like easy butternut cookies, homemade nut cookies, and how to make butternut cookies ranking high in both search volume and CPC, it’s also a smart choice for food bloggers and content creators alike.
So, tie on that apron, preheat your oven, and let the sweet scent of butternut cookies fill your kitchen.
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