Mom’s Walnut Balls

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.

Mom's Walnut Balls

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Walnut Cookie Recipe

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.

Walnut Balls Recipe
Walnut Christmas Cookies
Walnut Balls

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.

The Christmas Joy link photo with blurred Christmas tree and writing overlay.
Mom's Walnut Balls

Mom’s Walnut Balls

Mom’s Walnut Balls are buttery, tender and absolutely heavenly! These Christmas cookies have been at every family Christmas for decades now. Tried and true, they make the holidays brighter.
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Baked Goods
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Walnut Balls, Walnut Cookie Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 48 cookies
Calories: 110kcal
Author: Heather

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter *softened to room temperature
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar *firmly packed
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups all purpose flour *sifted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups finely chopped walnuts
  • 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Using a good quality chefs knife carefully chop walnuts until 2 cups is achieved. Finely chopped walnuts can also be purchased at the grocery store. 
  • Preheat oven to 375℉.
  • Using a stand mixer or hand held mixer cream together butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. 
  • In a separate sized mixing bowl measure and sift flour and salt. Mix well into butter mixture until a soft dough forms. Stir in walnuts.
  • Using a teaspoon break apart pieces of dough and then form by rolling between clean hands. 
  • Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 12- 15 mins or until lightly golden brown. Using a spatula, remove from cookie sheet and let cool slightly. The cooling helps to prevent crumbling when rolling in powdered sugar.
  • Place powdered sugar onto a plate and while cookies are still warm roll in sugar. If desired, roll a second time for an additional coating. 

Notes

*Please use as many organic ingredients as possible. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 118IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
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14 Comments

  1. I absolutely LOVE the old recipe written by hand! It’s a treasure! I just started writing my kids favorite recipes in books that I plan to give them when they leave the nest. Can’t wait to try your moms walnut balls:)

    1. Oh Katherine that is such a sweet gift!! Your kids will adore it!! I know that now that my mom has passed I completely cherish every written note, recipe and even scribbles. ????

  2. 5 stars
    I have this same recipe that my Mother-in-law gave me fifty years ago!! It is a wonderful cookie! The ladies in my church group all rave about it and want me to bring it to our church dinners! I use both walnuts and pecans and the pecans have always done very well in this recipe! Thanks for using it!

    1. Pecans sound amazing!!! Classic recipes are so wonderful. I have so many of my Mom’s recipes to share. It may take me 50 years just to get them all published.

  3. My 97 yr old mother loves walnuts so I made these Walnut Balls. She loved them so much. I’m going to travel to see her again and will make her another batch.

    1. Judy that brought tears to my eyes. I feel the exact same way. Thank you for taking the time to make them and for coming back to comment.

  4. 5 stars
    I started making these for my daughter’s birthday 3 years ago during the Covid 19 shutdown. It has become a tradition and this year she asked me to make a triple batch! They are that good!

5 from 7 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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