These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are classic, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for the holiday season or any time of year when you crave a sweet, buttery cookie. These cookies have a delicate, crumbly texture and a mild sweetness that’s beautifully balanced by the nutty pecans and the subtle dusting of powdered sugar. Often referred to as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, these snowball cookies are deliciously simple to make and look beautiful on a dessert platter.
The finely chopped pecans and buttery dough combine to form a cookie that’s light yet satisfying. Rolling each cookie in powdered sugar while it’s still warm adds a sweet coating that sticks well, while a second roll after they’ve cooled ensures an extra snowy look. These cookies are great for sharing and make excellent homemade gifts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Easy to Make: These cookies require only basic ingredients and a few simple steps, making them perfect for any level of baker.
• Perfectly Nutty and Sweet: The finely chopped pecans add a deliciously nutty flavor that pairs well with the buttery base and sweet powdered sugar.
• Ideal for Gifting: The snowball-like appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture make these cookies perfect for holiday treats or as gifts.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans. The dough will be slightly crumbly, but it should hold together when you squeeze it.
- Form Dough Balls: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls (or your desired size) and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly. While they are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until well coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Second Coating: Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar once more for an extra coating. This gives them that “snowball” appearance.
- Serve: Your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are ready to enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
