If you’ve been searching for that melt-in-your-mouth, charmingly nutty treat to sprinkle joy into your baking routine, the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These delicate little balls of buttery goodness are generous with pecans and dusted with powdered sugar, creating a tender crispness outside and a rich, crumbly center that’ll have you dreaming of your next batch before the last bite is gone. Whether you’re baking for holiday festivities, wedding favors, or simply because life calls for yummy moments, these cookies ooze warmth and homey comfort in every buttery crumb.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter that creates that signature tenderness to the chopped pecans adding crunch and depth, making it irresistibly satisfying.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor essential to the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the dough, also used for coating to create that signature snowy finish.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Deepens flavor for that warm, inviting cookie aroma.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies while keeping them tender.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the nutty flavors.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans: Adds delicious crunch and a wonderfully toasty undertone; toasting your pecans before chopping can boost the flavor.
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling: Creates the classic snowball appearance and adds a final touch of sweetness.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Having your baking sheets ready ensures a smooth, efficient baking process without interruptions.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This step is key to building that tender crumb and gorgeous buttery flavor that these cookies are famous for.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Stir in the vanilla extract, infusing the dough with that warm, comforting essence which complements the pecans perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Gradually sift and mix in the flour and salt, combining them thoroughly while being careful not to overmix. The result is a soft dough that still holds together, ready for the pecans.
Step 5: Fold in Chopped Pecans
Gently stir in the finely chopped pecans, evenly distributing their crunchy texture and nutty flavor throughout every bite of your cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie and roll into smooth balls. Place them about one inch apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow for just a hint of spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden bottoms while the tops stay pale. This ensures a tender top with a hint of color below. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar
While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to start that snowy coating. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll again in powdered sugar for the perfect, classic snowball look and delicate sweetness.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle your cookies with a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg before the final powdered sugar coating. A small edible gold leaf or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can add an elegant flair if you’re presenting for special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, chai tea, or fresh coffee, complementing their buttery richness. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a tangy citrus salad to balance the sweetness during holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these snowy beauties in a glass jar or rustic tin wrapped with a festive ribbon for a heartfelt gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a beautiful platter lined with evergreen sprigs for a holiday centerpiece treat that invites everyone to nibble happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and tender for up to a week, perfect for enjoying over several days without losing their signature texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies unbaked or baked. For unbaked dough balls, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—bake from frozen for fresh cookies anytime. Baked cookies freeze well in an airtight container or freezer bag, also lasting up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly in small increments to soften them slightly and revive that just-baked yumminess without melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans provide a classic flavor, walnuts or almonds work wonderfully too, giving a different but just as delightful nutty taste.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely in the recipe, ensuring the cookie’s flavor is perfectly balanced without being overly salty.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, you can enjoy these cookies without compromising texture or flavor.
Why do I roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
The first roll coats the warm cookies lightly; the second roll after cooling ensures a beautiful, snowy finish with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that defines this recipe.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not too melted, and chill the dough slightly if your kitchen is warm. Rolling the dough balls firmly also helps maintain their shape while baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe — it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug, with the perfect balance of buttery richness and nutty crunch wrapped in snowy sweetness. I can’t recommend enough that you give these a try, whether it’s for a festive occasion, a cozy treat for yourself, or a thoughtful homemade gift. Once you have a batch of these cookies fresh from the oven, you’ll understand why they become a treasured favorite time and time again.
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. These delicate cookies combine rich, softened butter with finely chopped pecans and are rolled generously in powdered sugar, creating a sweet, nutty, and tender bite every time.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
For Rolling
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and creamy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate Pecans: Stir in 1 cup of finely chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough for a nutty crunch.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms turn lightly golden but the tops remain pale, maintaining the snowball appearance.
- Initial Cooling and Rolling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—still warm—then roll them in powdered sugar to coat while the butter is still soft.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a full, snowy coating that defines this classic cookie.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nuttiness.
- The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, making it easy to bake fresh cookies on short notice.
- These cookies freeze very well for up to 2 months; thaw before serving and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.
