Snowball cookies are a classic holiday cookie often served during Christmas, but these matcha snowball cookies are delicious year-round. This is an easy recipe made with just a few simple ingredients—perfect for making with kids! These soft, buttery, homemade matcha snowball cookies are perfect for any occasion and simply irresistible to resist.
What type of matcha should you use?
We typically recommend using culinary grade matcha powder rather than culinary grade when baking. Culinary matcha has a stronger, slightly more bitter flavor profile that holds up better in baked goods. Using culinary grade matcha allows you to actually taste the matcha powder rather than it disappearing or being overshadowed by the other ingredients you’re using. Culinary matcha is also more cost-effective, making it an ideal choice for recipes where matcha is mixed with other ingredients rather than being enjoyed on its own.
Check out our organic chef’s choice culinary-grade matcha powder here.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Easy to make— This recipe only requires seven simple ingredients, ones you likely already have on hand. No complicated steps or equipment are necessary.
Perfect flavor—These are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good. The hazelnuts complement the earthy matcha perfectly for an overall fantastic cookie.
Kid-friendly– This is a great recipe to bake with little helpers. They’ll love the vibrant color of the matcha and rolling the cookies in the powdered sugar.
Customizable– Swap out any ingredients that don’t work for you to meet your dietary preferences.
Variations:
- Use pecans or walnuts instead of hazelnuts.
- Use chocolate matcha powder for extra flavor.
- Substitute gluten-free flour to make this cookie gluten-free.
- Remove the hazelnuts to make this nut-free.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 ½ teaspoon matcha powder
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups flour
1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
¼ tsp salt
For coating:
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon matcha powder
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
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In a large mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
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On low speed, add flour and salt. Once all flour is added, mix on high speed until well combined. It’s normal for the dough to look dry at first. Mix in pecans and stir until incorporated.
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Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball. Place on ungreased baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Bake until bottoms are lightly golden brown, but tops are still pale. About 12-15 minutes.
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Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for 1-3 minutes, then place on wire rack.
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Place ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon matcha powder in a shallow bowl. Roll warm cookies in sugar then place back on wire rack to fully cool.
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Once fully cool, roll in powdered sugar one more time.
Storage Tips:
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months— Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Bottom Line: These cookies are a fun twist on a classic
These matcha snowball cookies are delicious and perfect for the holidays, a party, or whenever the mood strikes. Easy to make and fun to bake with kids, they will surely become a regular in your cookie lineup. The balance of butter, nuts, and matcha makes these cookies utterly delicious and beautiful, too!
If you love these snowball matcha cookies, give these other recipes a try:
