Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Discover the ultimate Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies recipe, perfect for your holiday baking or any special occasion. These cookies feature a rich, buttery dough infused with vanilla and packed with finely chopped pecans. Rolled in powdered sugar, they offer a delightful snowy finish and melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour. Blend the ingredients until a smooth dough forms.
- Step 3: Fold the finely chopped pecans into the dough mixture until evenly distributed.
- Step 4: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking, then roll the dough into 36 evenly sized balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Step 5: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until they are set and just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each cooled cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated, creating the signature “snowball” appearance.
- Step 8: Arrange the coated cookies on a serving platter and enjoy the buttery, nutty goodness.
Tips & Variations
- Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds if you want a different flavor.
- Wet your hands before rolling dough balls to prevent sticking and ensure even shapes.
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the dough.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar coating slightly or omit it.
Storage
Store the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and enjoy as is—these cookies are delicious cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nuts in these cookies?
Absolutely! While pecans provide a rich flavor, other nuts like walnuts or almonds work beautifully and can be used to suit your taste preferences.
How should I store these cookies?
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage, maintaining their flavor and texture.
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
Discover the ultimate Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies recipe, perfect for holiday baking. These cookies feature a rich, buttery dough blended with vanilla and finely chopped pecans, then rolled in powdered sugar to create a classic snowy finish. Easy to prepare and wonderfully flavorful, they make a delightful treat for any festive occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 sticks of butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.
- Incorporate Pecans: Fold the finely chopped pecans evenly into the dough, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape the Cookies: Slightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking, then roll the dough into 36 evenly sized balls. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for baking expansion.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the shaped dough balls in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just starting to turn a light golden color.
- Cool and Coat: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. Then, place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each cooled cookie in it until fully coated, giving a signature snowball appearance.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated cookies on a serving platter and enjoy their buttery, nutty flavor perfect for holiday treats or everyday enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on your preference.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- The powdered sugar coating adds a sweet finish, but you can omit it if you prefer less sweetness.
- Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- These cookies make excellent homemade gifts for holidays or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies, pecan cookies, powdered sugar cookies, nutty cookies, festive dessert
