If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug, this Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute treasure. These delightful little cookies combine the richness of softened butter with the nutty crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a delicate powdered sugar coating that’s pure magic. Perfect for sharing with friends or keeping as a delicious secret stash, they’re festive, timeless, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and that classic snowball appearance. Nothing fancy here, just straightforward essentials coming together for an unforgettable cookie experience.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, creamy base and tender crumb that melt in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup plus extra): Sweetens the dough gently and creates the iconic snowy coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure-builder that ensures the cookies hold their shape while staying soft.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 cup): Delivers a satisfying crunch and nutty goodness with every bite.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together your softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins, as the creaming traps air, making the cookies beautifully tender. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle, inviting aroma.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Next, gently fold in the flour and salt. Take care not to overmix here—just combine everything until you no longer see white streaks of flour. Finally, carefully fold in the finely chopped pecans, which introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the buttery softness.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Cover your dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cookies from spreading too much as they bake, keeping their charming round shape intact.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze afterward.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using about one tablespoon of dough per cookie, roll the dough into neat balls and place them on your prepared sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Pop them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms turn just a light golden color—this signals perfection without overbaking.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool for five minutes. While they’re still warm, generously roll each cookie in powdered sugar. When completely cool, give them a second roll for that signature snowball look and extra sweetness that melts on your tongue.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delightful on their own, adding a dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving heightens the snowy effect and invites guests to dive in with sweet anticipation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of spiced tea or a glass of cold milk for a comforting combo. They also shine alongside mulled wine or rich hot chocolate when you want to cozy up on a chilly day.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly berries for a seasonal touch. Gift them in a clear jar layered with ribbon, or wrap small batches in parchment paper tied with twine for charming homemade presents.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay lovely for up to a week, maintaining their tender texture and powdered sugar coating.
Freezing
You can freeze these snowball cookies safely wrapped in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer bag. When sealed properly, they keep well for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holiday baking emergencies.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature, then heat them for about 5 minutes in a 300°F oven. Avoid microwaving, which can affect their texture.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that bring their own unique flavor and crunch to the cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies keep their shape and prevents excessive spreading, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.
Why are my cookies falling apart?
This often happens if the dough isn’t mixed well or if there’s too much flour. Be sure to accurately measure ingredients and handle the dough gently when shaping.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, but be aware the texture might vary slightly.
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about a week, but they are usually eaten well before then!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe. They’re easy to make, wonderfully flavorful, and have that nostalgic charm everyone loves. If you haven’t tried them yet, grab your ingredients and dive in—you’ll quickly see why these cookies become an instant family favorite.
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion. Made with a rich buttery base, finely chopped pecans, and coated with powdered sugar, these classic cookies are easy to prepare and offer a delightful combination of nutty flavor and sweetness.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling the cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking and makes them easier to handle.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cookie removal.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms turn lightly golden.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them in powdered sugar a second time to achieve a snowy, festive finish.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.
Notes
- For best texture, be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added.
- Make sure the butter is fully softened to help with proper creaming and dough consistency.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to make shaping easier.
- Double coating with powdered sugar gives the cookies their classic snowball appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
