Hugely popular, Mom’s Walnut Balls is a tender and buttery cookie recipe that my family has adored for years. Christmas isn’t Christmas without this walnut cookie recipe.

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Did you ever think a cookie could give you all the feelings? Memories, happiness, comfort and sadness all at the same time.

That’s exactly what making, eating, photographing and writing about my Mom’s Walnut Balls cookie recipe is doing to me.

Every Christmas, without fail, these walnut balls and my Dad’s Old Fashioned Fudge would be present making our holidays even brighter.

Let me tell you though, once your parents have passed, walking down memory lane is very bitter sweet.

I can still see my mom shaping these Christmas cookies and standing beside her helping to roll them in powdered sugar and it feels like yesterday.

You can tell by the looks of the recipe that it wasn’t yesterday though. This recipe is old and has been through many Christmas seasons.

Interestingly, my mom’s original recipe called for margarine as that was very popular back in the 70’s and 80’s before we really understood the dangers of trans fats. In the 90’s and on we always used butter.

Here is the good news though, whether you call these Hungarian walnut cookies, snowball cookies with walnuts or just simply walnut balls, they are sure to make your holidays brighter and spread cheer.

How To Make Mom’s Walnut Balls

These cookies really are very easy to make but there are just a few tips to keep in mind for a great quality Christmas cookie.

• The first tip is to make sure to soften the butter to room temperature. This helps the butter and sugar to evenly mix. We usually leave the butter out on the counter the night before or a few hours before baking.
• Using a stand mixer is an easy way to ensure the butter and sugar cream together to a light and fluffy consistency. Still trying to decide which stand mixer is right for you? You may find this to be huge support.
• Making sure to sift the flour and salt creates a lighter flour mixture that is easier to mix together with the butter sugar mixture. The trick, measure and then sift.
• Chop the walnuts using a good quality chef’s knife and then measure to 2 cups.
• Use a teaspoon to break off pieces of the dough that are about the size of a walnut piece (not in the shell) and then gently roll into a ball using clean hands.
• Once baked, remove cookies using a spatula and place onto cooling rack. By letting the cookies cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar helps to prevent them from crumbling. While Walnut Balls are still slightly warm roll in powdered sugar. If desired, a second rolling can be done for extra powdered sugar.
• Chilling the Dough- If the dough is too soft to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Walnut Balls- Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a delightful chocolate twist.
• Citrus Zest- Incorporate the zest of an orange or lemon for a refreshing, citrusy flavor.
• Spiced Walnut Balls- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nut Variations- Experiment with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or pistachios for unique flavors and textures.
• Glazed Walnut Balls- After rolling in powdered sugar, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cookies for added sweetness and decoration.
• Mini Walnut Balls- Make smaller cookies by using a melon baller or a teaspoon to create bite-sized treats. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Holiday Edition-  Roll the cookies in colored sugar for festive occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or other holidays.

Commonly Asked Questions About Mom’s Walnut Balls

Can Pecans be substituted for walnuts in this Walnut Balls recipe?

This is such a great question and the answer is both yes and no. This particular Walnut Ball recipe is extremely tried and true. We have made thousands of batches over the years and they have turned out beautifully each time.

However, because this cookie is so delicate I do recommend using a tried and true Pecan Snowball Cookie recipe.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

If you are making a small batch of Walnut Balls then placing them on a platter covered in plastic wrap is perfect for the shorter term. Just make sure to not cover them until they have completely cooled.

For larger batches we have found storing them in large plastic or glass containers to work best. Yet again, it is best to wait until they have completely cooled before storing.

Can I freeze the Walnuts Balls?

Yes, and these make all the difference for safe freezer storage. I do recommend to place a sheet of parchment paper in between each layer of cookies to help prevent the Walnut Balls from sticking to each other.

How long do Walnut Balls last?

This is such a good question especially if you decide to do your baking prior to the holidays and then freeze the goodies until needed. I have found that these Walnut Balls last beautifully in the freezer for about 4 weeks and when either covered or stored at room temperature about 5 days to a week. Any longer past this time and they tend to loose their freshness.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but it’s best to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Unsalted butter provides better control over the salt content.

Can I use a food processor to chop the walnuts?

Yes, you can use a food processor to chop the walnuts. Just be cautious not to over-process them; you want a fine chop, not walnut dust.

 Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour that is designed for baking.