Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These classic cookies blend rich butter, finely chopped pecans, and vanilla extract to create a delightful treat perfect for holidays or any cozy occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup pecans (or walnuts), finely chopped
For Dusting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, which helps create a soft texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Pecans: Add the salt and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, then gradually mix in the all-purpose flour at low speed until just combined. Stir in the finely chopped pecans by hand to evenly distribute without overmixing.
- Form Cookie Balls: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow space for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as snowball cookies are meant to be tender.
- Initial Cooling and Dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up slightly but are still warm. Gently roll each cookie in the 1 cup powdered sugar to coat them while warm.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating that defines these classic cookies.
- Serve: Arrange the cookies on a serving plate and enjoy your delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add an extra ½ cup of flour.
- Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure the butter is properly softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be pale with golden bottoms to remain tender.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates a signature snowball appearance and adds sweetness.
- These cookies can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
Keywords: Pecan snowball cookies, butter cookies, powdered sugar cookies, holiday cookies, nut cookies, melt-in-mouth cookies
