Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a timeless holiday favorite that bring warmth and sweetness to your dessert table. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are packed with finely chopped pecans, giving them a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfectly balanced by their light powdered sugar coating. They’re a delight to make, share, and savor, especially during festive occasions.
What makes these cookies so special is their simple yet elegant appearance—rolled in powdered sugar, they resemble fluffy snowballs. With a buttery base and a satisfying crunch from the pecans, these cookies are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. They’re perfect for gifting, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Each bite is soft, tender, and buttery.
• Nutty Perfection: The finely chopped pecans add depth and a satisfying crunch.
• Simple and Elegant: These cookies are easy to make yet look sophisticated.
Ingredients
Yield: About 24 cookies
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare an ungreased baking sheet for the cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Add the Pecans
1. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
1. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar
1. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Second Sugar Coating
1. Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time to create a thick, snowy coating.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
1. Arrange the cookies on a platter and serve.
Tips
• Chop Pecans Finely: This helps the dough hold together better and ensures every bite has a perfect balance of nuts.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes more evenly with the sugar, creating a smoother dough.
• Handle Dough Gently: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
Storage Options
• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar again if needed.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat that will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. Their delicate sweetness and festive appearance make them a joy to share and savor.
