There is something truly magical about the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe that feels like a warm hug from the oven. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfectly crumbly, loaded with finely chopped pecans, and rolled in a generous dusting of powdered sugar that looks like fresh snow. Each bite offers a beautiful balance of rich butter, nutty crunch, and just the right sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies will quickly become a treasured favorite in your baking collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often create the most memorable flavors, and this recipe is no exception. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and visual appeal that define these cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar): Adds sweetness and helps create the tender texture in the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a comforting, warm aroma and taste.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together, giving the cookies their structure.
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped: Adds a delightful nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft dough.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): Creates the iconic snowball appearance and a sweet finish.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This step ensures even baking and stops the cookies from sticking, helping them maintain their beautiful shape.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 2 to 3 minutes. This process aerates the dough, guaranteeing a tender, melt-away texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
Add salt and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture, then gradually incorporate the flour on low speed, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so it’s important to stop once everything is blended. Finally, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand to distribute their crunch evenly.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to bake evenly without merging into one another.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms just begin to turn a light golden color. Be sure not to overbake, as these cookies are meant to be crumbly and tender rather than crispy.
Step 6: Initial Dusting While Warm
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This allows the sugar to adhere to their delicate surfaces, giving a soft snowy coating right away.
Step 7: Final Cooling and Dusting
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thick, beautiful snowy finish that will make your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe irresistible at first sight.
Step 8: Ready to Enjoy
Serve these charming cookies with a smile, knowing that you’ve created something truly special. Whether alongside a cup of tea or tucked into a festive cookie tray, each bite delivers pure joy.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little more powdered sugar right before serving to keep that fresh, snowy look. You can also add a few chopped pecans on top for an elegant hint of texture and nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like classic hot chocolate, spiced chai tea, or even a rich espresso. Their buttery sweetness complements the bold flavors of these drinks, creating an irresistible snack break.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or special occasions, arrange your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with greenery or holiday-themed napkins. You might also stack them into small cookie towers tied with a ribbon for a charming edible gift presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay perfectly delicious for up to one week, making them a great bake-ahead treat for busy days.
Freezing
These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When properly stored, they can last for up to 3 months without losing their lovely texture or flavor.
Reheating
If you want to restore a freshly baked taste, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature and give them a brief 5-minute warm-up in the oven at 300°F (150°C). This gently revives the buttery softness without melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans offer a classic flavor, walnuts work wonderfully as a nutty alternative and provide a slightly different crunch that many enjoy.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough once you add the flour. Properly chilled dough can also help keep the cookies from spreading too much.
Why do I need to dust the cookies twice with powdered sugar?
The first dusting while the cookies are still warm helps the sugar stick nicely, while the second dusting after cooling creates that thick, snowy finish that defines the appearance and texture of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1, but make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture. The flavor and texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What is the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?
Use a sharp knife to finely chop the pecans to avoid large chunks that could overpower the crumbly cookie. A quick pulse in a food processor works well, just be careful not to mush the nuts.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a classic cookie that offers simple ingredients, comforting flavor, and a festive appearance, the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is calling your name. It’s truly a joy to make and an even bigger joy to share. Once you taste these tender, buttery, nutty cookies coated in a perfect snowy blanket of sugar, you’ll understand why they’re a go-to favorite for so many. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen and loved ones will thank you!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet nutty bite. Made with finely chopped pecans, soft butter, and dusted generously with powdered sugar, these classic cookies combine a tender crumb with a rich buttery flavor and a snowy, sweet coating.
Ingredients
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 prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Flavor and Flour: Mix in the salt and vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture at a low speed, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Then fold in the finely chopped pecans gently by hand to evenly distribute them.
- Shape Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon scoop or measuring spoon, portion the dough and roll each into approximately 1-inch diameter balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for some spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn a light golden color. Be careful not to overbake as the cookies should remain tender and crumbly.
- Initial Cooling and Dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they firm up slightly but are still warm enough to handle. While warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them lightly.
- Final Cooling and Dusting: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to create a thick, snowy coating that defines these classic snowball cookies.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the cookies on a serving plate and enjoy your freshly baked Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with a cup of tea or milk.
Notes
- Use finely chopped pecans or walnuts depending on your preference; walnuts are a great alternative.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake; these cookies are best when tender and slightly crumbly.
- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar twice ensures a thick, beautiful coating.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
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