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
Scale
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.
