Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are a fun recipe to make with Cub Scouts. They are also called Russian tea cakes. They look like little snowballs, so they fit well with a winter theme. Scouts will enjoy helping in the kitchen, and the cookies are a nice treat to share.

This recipe gives youth a chance to help with real cooking tasks. They can mix, measure, and shape the dough into small balls. These are all good hands-on skills. It’s also a chance to talk about kitchen safety and cleaning up after baking.

Working together to make cookies is a team activity. Scouts can take turns with the steps. Some can roll the dough, and others can help with the powdered sugar. Everyone can feel proud of what they made together.

This is a good way to build confidence and responsibility. It also supports the Cub Scout values of helping others and working together. And when the cookies are done, they can be shared with family or neighbors as a simple act of kindness.

This recipe can help Scouts practice leadership. A Denner or Den Chief can help guide the group. They can remind others to wash hands, share tools, and follow the recipe. It’s a simple way to practice leading while helping others.

Making cookies is also a way to serve. Scouts can give the cookies to a neighbor or bring them to a nursing home. This shows kindness. It also helps them live the Scout Law by being helpful and kind.

Working in the kitchen also teaches responsibility. Scouts learn to follow directions, measure carefully, and clean up. These are life skills. They also help with rank requirements that ask Scouts to do tasks at home or serve others.

This activity fits with many parts of Scouting. It brings fun, learning, and service together in one simple project. And the best part is, everyone gets to enjoy a sweet treat at the end.

Equipment / Materials List

• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for powdered sugar
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Cooling rack (optional)
• Spoon or small scoop
• Wax paper or plate for rolling cookies

Ingredient List

• 1 cup butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup very finely chopped nuts (pecans work well)
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Setup Instructions

1. Wash hands and clean work area.
2. Gather all equipment and ingredients.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
4. Lightly grease baking sheet or use parchment paper.
5. Chop nuts very fine if not already done.

Recipe Instructions

1. In the large bowl, mix the butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Stir in the flour and salt.
3. Mix in the chopped nuts.
4. Cover and chill the dough for about 1 hour.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
6. Place balls on baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until set but not browned.
8. Remove cookies from oven and let cool slightly.
9. While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar.
10. Let cookies cool completely.
11. Roll in powdered sugar again before serving.

Notes

• Use caution when removing hot cookies from the oven. Adults should help.
• Make sure cookies are not too hot when rolling in sugar. Warm is best.
• You can leave out the nuts if needed for allergies.
• Try different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a variation.
• These cookies freeze well.

Scouts can help with many steps, but adults should handle the oven. Let Scouts roll and coat the cookies for hands-on fun.

Click here for a printable copy of the Snowball Cookies Recipe

More Holiday Cookie Recipes:

• Forgotten Cookies Recipe
• Dad’s Favorite Star Cookies Recipe
• Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

Winter Wonderland Theme

The Winter Wonderland Cub Scout Theme is a great way to bring fun and friendship into cold weather. It includes simple games, easy crafts, tasty snacks, and kind service projects. Everything fits the season and helps Scouts learn by doing. You don’t need snow or fancy supplies. Just use what you have and add a little imagination. Even a cotton ball can become a snowball in a fun game. This theme works for meetings, parties, or outdoor fun.

Snowball Cookies are a perfect snack for this theme. They look like snowballs and taste great. Scouts can help make them by rolling the dough and coating the cookies in powdered sugar. It’s a hands-on activity that teaches teamwork and kitchen skills. Sharing the cookies with others also helps Scouts practice kindness. The Winter Wonderland Cub Scout Theme makes winter feel warm with laughter, learning, and sweet treats.

Cubs in the Kitchen

If your Cub Scouts liked making snowball cookies, try some more easy recipes together. Cooking is a great way for Scouts to learn and work as a team. They can help with measuring, mixing, and cleanup. It also gives them a chance to follow directions and practice patience.

Find more ideas on my Cubs in the Kitchen page. You’ll find simple ideas like mini pizzas, trail mix, and camp treats. Each one is kid-friendly and fun to make with your den or at home. These activities support adventure requirements while helping Scouts build real-life skills.

What Scouts Learn Beyond the Meal

Can I make the Snowball Cookies recipe without nuts?

Yes. You can leave out the nuts if someone has allergies or does not like them. The cookies will still taste good.

Can Scouts help with the Snowball Cookies recipe?

Yes. Scouts can help mix the dough, roll the balls, and coat the cookies in sugar. Adults should handle the oven.

Can I use a different kind of nut in the Snowball Cookies recipe?

Yes. Pecans work well, but you can use walnuts or almonds too. Just chop them very fine.

Do I need to chill the dough in the Snowball Cookies recipe?

Yes. Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape. Chill for about one hour before rolling.

How should I store cookies from the Snowball Cookies recipe?

Keep them in a sealed container. They stay fresh for a few days. You can also freeze them.

Can I double the Snowball Cookies recipe?

Yes. Just make sure to mix well. You may need more baking sheets.

Snowball cookies are a fun and easy treat to make with Cub Scouts. They are also called Russian tea cakes. These round cookies are soft and sweet, rolled in powdered sugar so they look like little snowballs. They fit in well with any winter-themed meeting or event.

Scouts can help with many parts of the recipe. They can measure ingredients, stir the dough, and roll the balls. They will also enjoy covering the warm cookies in sugar. This gives them a chance to practice teamwork and basic kitchen skills.

These cookies also make a nice gift. Scouts can bring them home to share or deliver them to a neighbor. This fits with the values of kindness and service. It also gives Scouts a simple way to do something good for others.

This recipe is a fun, hands-on activity that brings Scouts together. It teaches real skills and ends with a sweet reward.