Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These buttery pecan snowball cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Easy to make and sure to impress, they are a classic cookie everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 sticks butter, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Add the flour, salt, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated and forms a dough.
- Step 4: Shape the dough into 36 equal-sized balls. Place them on a parchment-lined or well-greased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Step 5: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
- Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet.
- Step 7: Pour the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar into a bowl. Toss the cooled cookies gently in the sugar to coat thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try toasting the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor.
- For a flavor twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or substitute half the pecans with walnuts.
- If you prefer a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies by a minute or two.
- Use room temperature butter to ensure the dough blends smoothly without overmixing.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature and freshen by lightly re-coating with powdered sugar if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts can be used instead. Just chop them finely for the best texture and flavor balance.
Why do the cookies need to cool before being coated in powdered sugar?
Cooling ensures the powdered sugar sticks only to the surface without melting or clumping, giving the cookies their signature snowy finish.
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for the holiday season or any sweet craving. These bite-sized cookies combine a rich buttery flavor with finely chopped pecans and are finished with a generous coating of powdered sugar, giving them a festive snowy appearance.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Powdered sugar (for dough)
- Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 sticks Butter, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup Pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is at the right temperature when the cookies are ready to bake.
- Prepare Butter and Sugar Mixture: In a mixing bowl, add the room temperature butter and ½ cup powdered sugar. Blend these together using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps to create a tender cookie texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Pecans: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and finely chopped pecans to the butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well blended forming a dough.
- Shape Cookies: Form the dough into 36 small balls, using your hands to ensure uniform size. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined or well-greased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 12 minutes. Bake until the edges just start to turn golden, being careful not to overbake to retain their soft texture.
- Cool and Coat: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely to room temperature on the baking sheet. Once cooled, place the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar in a bowl and toss the cookies in it until fully coated, giving them their iconic snowy finish.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar.
- Make sure to finely chop the pecans so they incorporate evenly into the dough.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before coating in powdered sugar to prevent the sugar from melting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies can also be frozen before baking; freeze dough balls on a tray then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Snowball cookies, Pecan cookies, Butter cookies, Holiday cookies, Powdered sugar cookies
