Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that bring together the perfect combination of crunchy pecans and melt-in-your-mouth buttery dough. Coated in powdered sugar, these cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful, making them perfect for gifting or adding to a cookie tray during the holidays.

The best part? They are incredibly easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients. The light, powdery texture and nutty flavor make them irresistible, and their appearance is simply charming—like little edible snowballs!

2. Ingredients

For these perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll need:

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup finely chopped pecans (or any other nut of your choice, like walnuts or almonds)

1/4 teaspoon salt

3. Equipment Needed

Equipment	Purpose
Mixing bowl	For creaming butter and mixing dough.
Hand mixer or stand mixer	To beat butter and sugar together until smooth.
Baking sheet	For baking the cookies.
Parchment paper	To prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
Cooling rack	To allow the cookies to cool evenly.
Small sieve or sifter	For dusting powdered sugar over the cookies.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Add the vanilla extract and mix again until incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Start mixing on low speed to prevent flour from spilling out.

Once the flour is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until the dough is smooth.

Step 4: Add the Pecans

Fold in the finely chopped pecans using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Form the Cookies

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter.

Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain soft and pale in color.

Remove from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to firm up slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Coat the Cookies in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies have cooled slightly, gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat them. This gives them their signature “snowball” appearance.

For an extra snowy look, sift more powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving.

5. Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies

Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature, as this will help it cream with the sugar easily.

Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping into balls.

Don’t over-bake: Snowball cookies should be lightly golden around the edges, not brown. Over-baking will make them too dry.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform sizes and helps your cookies bake evenly.

Customize the nuts: You can swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor.

Add a pinch of cinnamon: For a spiced version, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for extra warmth.

6. How to Store Snowball Cookies

These buttery cookies are perfect for making ahead and storing for later:

Storing at Room Temperature:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The powdered sugar coating will keep the cookies fresh and soft.

Freezing:

You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

To bake from frozen, simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

7. Variations on Snowball Cookies

While the classic pecan version is a favorite, here are a few variations to try:

1. Chocolate Snowballs

Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor.

2. Almond Snowballs

Substitute the pecans with finely chopped almonds and add almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty almond flavor.

3. Coconut Snowballs

Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with the buttery texture.

4. Cranberry Pistachio Snowballs

Add dried cranberries and pistachios for a colorful and festive variation that’s perfect for the holidays.

8. Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the calories and nutrients in each snowball cookie:

Nutrient	Amount (per cookie)
Calories	120 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbohydrates	14 g
Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	50 mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on the size of the cookies and the specific ingredients used.)

9. Final Thoughts

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, delicate pecan flavor, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a gift, or just a cozy treat for yourself, these cookies are easy to make, delicious, and loved by all.

Perfect for any occasion, these little snowballs of goodness will bring warmth and joy to your kitchen!

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