Looking for a holiday taste that reminds you of home? These Healthy Snowball Cookies are the answer to your prayers then! Just like Grandma used to make with two-thirds less sugar!
Do Healthy Snowball Cookies even taste like a cookie?
I know you’re thinking this (or at least my mother is if she’s reading this!)
The obvious answer I’d give you is YES.
To my palate, these are sweet, scrumptious and totally cookie worthy.
However, with that said, if you’re used to a SUPER sweet cookie, then no, these are more like a slightly sweet bite.
With the holidays being filled with so much love, laughter, and sugar, I thought it would be nice to create something the entire crowd would feel great about eating!
So, between us, let’s call them a cookie and leave it there.
How did these cookies come to be?
The best memories of my childhood always seem to stem around a gathering in which food was involved.
Go figure – my Italian roots remain true!
Grandma’s Snowball Cookies are without question the most memorable cooking recollection I have.
She’d whip up around Christmas season and hands down, these little balls of joy could seriously brighten anyone’s day.
I remember so fondly how we’d gather in the kitchen and create a “winter wonderland” in sunny Southern California from the amount of powdered sugar we’d get everywhere.
Sure, I know my mom probably wanted to slap us for being so messy, but neither her nor my grandma would yell.
They just cherished the moment of sharing their passion of creating devilishly good food with us.
Over the last 5 years these cookies have remained absent from the holiday gatherings, largely in part due to my grandma’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease.
But, my wonderful grandma did a VERY important thing when she realized her memory was fading quickly:
She gifted each one of the Zabel girls a handwritten Snowball Cookie recipe and wrote a kind, gentle note on the back.
This snowball cookie recipe has hung in my kitchen ever since!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely!
They stay fresh for up to two weeks on the counter or pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
I recommend transporting them I a container versus a sealed bag as you want them to stay in their ball shape and not crack or crumble!
Though, I highly recommend saving any crumbled pieces to top your parfaits for a fun, holiday treat!
Did you have any test testers?
I will let you know I had these babies taste tested by not only the man who has consumed these for over 60 years (aka grandpa), but also the fabulous Living Well Kitchen and Mr. CEO.
Hands down… it was unanimous … #WINNER!!!
So, let’s honor the wonderful woman who created inspired these Healthy Snowball Cookies and whip them up today!
Healthy Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons natural nut butter
- 1/4 cup vegan butter spread or butter of choice, softened
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour sifted
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 275*F.
- In a food processor, pulse walnuts for 10 to 20 seconds, until finely chopped.
- Add to a large bowl, mixing in vanilla extract, nut butter, vegan butter and brown sugar. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes using a spatula.
- Add in the sifted flour until uniform and mixture resembles a dough.
- Portion into 1 tablespoon balls and place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove and let cool. Dust with powdered sugar.
I love snowball cookies- make them every Christmas! Thanks for sharing this healthy recipe!!
Ah yes! So glad someone else knows these gems!!
What a fun story behind this recipe. Can’t wait to try out this healthy version!
Thanks Lauren! I hope you enjoy!
What a memory Liz! I have no doubt you have made your grandma proud with your cooking skills and making these cookies. I love that they’re called snowballs – all that powdered sugar!
Sugar cures all… right? 🙂 Thanks Jess!
BEST. COOKIES. EVER.
Days after finishing them, I am still thinking about them. And I seriously can’t believe they aren’t loaded with sugar!!! These cookies solidify why you are the best 🙂
xo
LOL- I think you are by far the best taste tester with your compliments, I fear what will happen when I have a kitchen failure! It’s a good thing you weren’t here Tuesday lol!
Snowballs are seriously the best! My aunt used to make them every Christmas too. I actually linked to them in my ReDux post. Now I take it upon myself to make them!
Just read it- OMG, we are twinning!
Love this! My grandma was so special to me as evidenced by my Redux post. These sound delicious!
Ah, heading over there now to read it!!! Love grandmas!!
These look so yummy, Liz! Love that you have that handwritten recipe from your Grandma. I’m going to ask my Grandma to write hers out for me 🙂
DO it!! It’s the best treasured memory you will never throw away!
I love that this is a healthier version! I’m going to try it out this year– snowball cookies are always a hit in my house. 🙂
I love that!! #snowballcookiesarealways 🙂
My family would love these. Def going to have to try them this holiday season.
I love how easy and delicious these were to make! Thank you!!
My grandma actually loved these cookies!! I made sure she got some extra to take home!
Sending this recipe to my mom, she loves these and would definitely appreciate the healthier spin!
Gosh I remember this recipe from your Grandma!! So sweet reading through again <3
First cookie I am making this season! So glad I found this recipe!
Have you tried using coconut palm sugar instead of brown sugar? Do you think I could replace brown sugar with that?
Yes, I definitely think you could but the flavor may be a bit different. I usually like to use brown in cookie recipes for the flavor!
Good
Love this recipe!
Love the healthier version. Our family always made these cookies and they were called Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cakes. Just curious is the wheat flour gluten free, maybe a special flour? Thanks!
I wanted to clarify I gave it 5 stars not 4. 🙂
Oh yay! I am so glad you enjoyed this! The almond flour would work to make this gluten free but they are naturally vegan with either flour! Happy New Year!