If there is one cookie that always brings joy during the holiday season, it’s the classic snowball cookie—soft, buttery, nutty, and dusted in a blanket of powdered sweetness. But what if you’re living a low-carb or keto lifestyle? Good news: Keto Snowball Cookies deliver all the nostalgia and festive flavor of traditional snowballs, without the sugar or high-carb flour.
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with almond flour, keto sweeteners, and chopped pecans (or walnuts), giving you the perfect combination of crunch and softness. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Best of all, each cookie is keto-friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free—but absolutely delicious.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the best keto snowball cookies, including tips, variations, storage, and a complete recipe.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Keto Snowball Cookies
These cookies aren’t just a diet-friendly version of a holiday classic—they’re genuinely decadent and satisfying.
✔ Ultra-Buttery Texture
Just like traditional snowball cookies, these are soft, dense, and rich.
✔ Low-Carb and Sugar-Free
Thanks to almond flour and keto sweeteners, each cookie is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs.
✔ 5 Minutes of Prep
Mix, shape, bake—super quick and beginner-friendly.
✔ Customizable
Use pecans, walnuts, almonds, or even sugar-free chocolate chips.
✔ Perfect for Holidays
They look festive, taste nostalgic, and keep well for gifting or parties.
🎄 What Are Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies (also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs, and Russian Tea Cakes) are small, round, buttery cookies traditionally made with:
- Butter
- Flour
- Powdered sugar
- Chopped nuts
After baking, they’re rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, creating the classic snowy exterior.
This keto version replicates that same melt-in-your-mouth texture using almond flour, keto-friendly powdered sweetener, and butter—all naturally grain-free and low-carb.
🍪 Ingredients You Need
These keto snowball cookies use just a handful of simple ingredients.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- ½ cup powdered erythritol or allulose (divided for dough + coating)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-Ins
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts/almonds)
For Rolling
- ½ cup powdered erythritol or allulose
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Allulose gives the softest texture and melts better than erythritol.
- Use super-fine almond flour, not almond meal.
- Nuts must be finely chopped so the cookies hold their shape.
🧑🍳 How to Make Keto Snowball Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Cream the Butter and Sweetener
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Softened butter
- ⅓ cup powdered sweetener
Mix until soft and fluffy.
Step 3 — Add Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
Step 4 — Add the Almond Flour
Pour in the almond flour and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Step 5 — Fold in the Nuts
Add the chopped pecans and gently fold them into the dough.
Step 6 — Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them onto the baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Step 7 — Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
Step 8 — First Powdered Coating
Allow cookies to cool 5 minutes, then gently roll each one in powdered sweetener.
Step 9 — Second Coating
Once fully cool, roll again to create the classic thick “snowy” finish.
💡 Expert Tips for the Best Keto Snowball Cookies
⭐ Keep Butter Soft—but Not Too Melted
If butter is too soft, the cookies will spread. Room temperature is perfect.
⭐ Dough Too Soft?
Chill for 20 minutes before shaping.
⭐ Use Powdered Sweetener Only
Granular sweetener won’t stick to the outside.
⭐ Don’t Overbake
These cookies should stay pale on top. Too much browning = dry texture.
⭐ Want Extra Flavor?
Toast the nuts first for a deeper, buttery taste.
🎁 Keto Snowball Cookie Variations
1. Walnut Snowball Cookies
Swap pecans for chopped walnuts for a slightly earthier flavor.
2. Almond Snowballs
Use chopped almonds + almond extract.
3. Chocolate Chip Keto Snowballs
Fold in sugar-free mini chocolate chips instead of nuts.
4. Lemon Snowball Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest + ½ teaspoon lemon extract.
5. Cinnamon Snowballs
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and roll in cinnamon “sugar.”
6. Peppermint Holiday Snowballs
Mix in a drop of peppermint extract + sugar-free peppermint chips.
7. Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut oil instead of butter (they will be slightly firmer).
⚖️ Nutrition (Per Cookie, Avg.)
May vary by sweetener brand and size.
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 2–3g net
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Low-carb and keto-friendly!
🧊 How to Store Keto Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days.
Refrigerator
Keeps fresh up to 2 weeks.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 6 months.
Tip: Freeze unbaked dough balls and bake fresh anytime.
🎉 Serving Ideas
Keto snowball cookies pair perfectly with:
- Hot chocolate
- Bulletproof coffee
- Holiday tea
- Keto eggnog
- Charcuterie dessert boards
They’re also wonderful for:
- Christmas cookie tins
- Edible gifts
- Holiday desserts
- Low-carb party trays
📌 Full Printable Recipe: Keto Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- ½ cup powdered erythritol or allulose (⅓ cup for dough, rest for rolling)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Beat butter and ⅓ cup powdered sweetener until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla.
- Add almond flour and salt; mix until dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Cool 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sweetener.
- Once completely cool, roll again for a thick snow-like coating.
- Enjoy!
❄️ Final Thoughts
Keto Snowball Cookies are everything a holiday cookie should be: soft, buttery, nutty, and beautiful—without the sugar or carbs. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for gifting or enjoying all winter long.
If you want additional keto holiday treats—like Keto Fudge, Keto Gingerbread Cookies, or Keto Peanut Butter Blossoms—I can write those too!
Print
Keto Snowball Cookies: A Low-Carb, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Treat
Ingredients
• 1 cup (100g) blanched almond flour (fine)
• ¼ cup powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (plus more for rolling)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil)
• Optional: ½ tsp cinnamon or ¼ tsp almond extract for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, powdered sweetener, and salt.
- Add softened butter, vanilla, and optional extracts. Stir until a soft dough forms (it will be sticky).
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, until light golden at the edges (they firm up as they cool).
- Let cool 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in additional powdered sweetener.
- Cool completely—they’ll crisp up slightly as they cool.
✨ Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 1 week.
💡 Make ahead: Dough freezes well—bake from frozen (+1–2 mins).
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 10 mins , Cook Time : 12 mins , Total Time : 22 mins , Servings : 12 cookies , Calories : 80 per cookie , Net Carbs: 2g , Fats: 7g , Protein: 2g