Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats featuring finely chopped pecans enveloped in a rich, buttery dough. Coated twice in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive appearance, these classic cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty delight.
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the salt and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Stir in finely chopped pecans by hand to distribute evenly without overworking the dough.
- Form Cookie Balls: Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and roll into 1-inch balls. Place these on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Take care not to overbake to keep them tender and buttery.
- Initial Cooling and Dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to start building the signature snowy coating.
- Final Cooling and Second Dusting: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a thick, festive snowy layer.
- Serve: Your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are now ready to enjoy. Serve them at room temperature alongside tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase flour by ½ cup.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Double rolling in powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature snowball look and flavor.
- Use walnuts if pecans are not available, as they provide a similar texture and taste.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can help maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: snowball cookies, pecan cookies, buttery cookies, holiday cookies, powdered sugar cookies, nut cookies
