Few cookies feel as magical and nostalgic as Anise Snowball Cookies. These tender, powdered-sugar-coated little bites practically dissolve on the tongue and fill the kitchen with warm, cozy notes of anise — a classic flavor loved in Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern baking traditions.
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s unique yet familiar, simple yet impressive, and perfect for gifting, cookie boxes, or Christmas gatherings, this is the recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
What makes Anise Snowball Cookies so special?
They have a whisper of licorice sweetness from anise, the crumbly texture of a shortbread cookie, and that irresistible “snow-dusted” holiday look. And let’s be honest — anything rolled in powdered sugar is automatically a win.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make them perfectly every time, the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and why these cookies shine during the holiday season. Pinterest users especially love them because they are:
Pretty
Easy
Freezer-friendly
Perfect for gifting
Great for holiday dessert boards
Amazing for “aesthetic” baking content
Let’s dive into the magic behind these festive little treats!
Why You’ll Love Anise Snowball Cookies
Whether you’re baking for Christmas or making a cozy winter treat, these cookies deliver:
Soft, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
Their buttery, powdered sugar–based dough creates the most delicate crumb.
Warm & Aromatic Flavor
Anise adds the perfect aromatic touch — not overpowering, just beautifully fragrant.
Beginner-Friendly
No chilling, no fancy equipment, no complicated steps.
Perfect for Holiday Gifting
They stay fresh for days and look stunning in cookie tins.
Pinterest-Perfect Aesthetic
Powdered sugar + round little bites = instant holiday joy.
What Are Snowball Cookies, Exactly?
Snowball cookies (also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are classic shortbread-style treats made with butter, flour, powdered sugar, and nuts. They’re rolled into balls, baked, and coated generously—very generously—in powdered sugar.
This version swaps the nuts for anise, giving them a unique flavor twist while keeping the iconic snowball look.
If you love cookies that are soft, fragrant, and melt instantly the moment you take a bite, these belong at the top of your Christmas baking list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into these festive cookies.
Simple, pantry-friendly, and incredibly affordable!
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon anise extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling after baking)
Optional add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground anise seeds (for stronger flavor)
Anise Snowball Cookies
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- electric mixer for creaming butter and sugar
- sifter for dry ingredients
- baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- wire rack for cooling cookies
- spoon or cookie scoop for portioning dough
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon anise extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and anise extract until light. Add both sugars and beat until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until a crumbly dough forms. Use your hands if needed to bring it together.
- Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden. Check at 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool cookies on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat.
- Dust with extra powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
How to Make Anise Snowball Cookies
Short, sweet, and easy — the way holiday baking should be.
Step 1: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until creamy and light. Add anise extract and mix again.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Mix in the flour and salt until the dough begins to come together. It will look crumbly — that’s normal!
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll tablespoon-sized portions into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
While warm, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar.
Let cool completely, then roll in sugar again for the signature snowy look.
Your soft, fragrant holiday snowballs are ready!
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
These small tweaks make a BIG difference:
Don’t Overbake
They should stay pale — golden edges, not golden tops.
Double Coat in Powdered Sugar
The first coat melts into the cookie, giving it sweetness.
The second coat gives that classic snow-dusted look.
Add More Anise (if you love it!)
Use up to 1½ tablespoons extract or add ground anise for extra intensity.
Let Them Cool Completely
The texture becomes melt-in-your-mouth only after they cool.
Store Properly
Keep in an airtight container for up to 5–6 days.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions
These cookies are SO freezer-friendly.
Freeze Before Baking:
Roll the dough into balls → freeze on a tray → transfer to a freezer bag → bake from frozen, adding +1–2 minutes.
Freeze After Baking:
Freeze fully cooled cookies without powdered sugar.
Thaw → roll in powdered sugar again before serving.
Great for holiday prep!
Serving Ideas
- On a Christmas cookie board
- Gift boxes for neighbors & coworkers
- Holiday brunch desserts
- Paired with coffee or hot chocolate
- Wrapped individually for party favors
They’re as festive as they are delicious.