Healthy Snowball Cookies

5 from 2 votes

These melt-in-your-mouth healthy snowball cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies, are buttery, nutty, and perfect for the holidays!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Chill Time15

Total Time40

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: healthy snowball cookies, snowball cookies, snowball cookies recipe

Servings: cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons light butter softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute for coating after baking

Roughly chop the walnuts for even distribution throughout the cookies.
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened light butter and 1/3 cup of powdered sugar or powdered sugar substitute until smooth and creamy. Then, stir in the room temperature applesauce, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
Gently mix in the flour and chopped walnuts until a soft dough forms.
For easier handling and slightly firmer cookies, chill the dough in the fridge for 10-20 minutes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop to portion the dough, roll each portion into a ball, and place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 14-16 minutes, until the cookies are set but not browned.
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar or sugar-free substitute while they’re still slightly warm. For an extra snowy finish, roll them in powdered sugar again once they have completely cooled.

Room Temperature: Use room-temperature butter and applesauce so the dough mixes smoothly.
Walnuts Substitution: You can swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or pistachios if you prefer.
Powdered Sugar Substitute: Replace the powdered sugar with a powdered sugar alternative (like Lakanto) in both the dough and the coating to make the cookies sugar-free.

WW Points: 2 points per cookie *if you use a sugar-free sweetener; This recipe makes 12-14 cookies

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