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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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  • Author: Emma
  • 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

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.