Pecan Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet
Pecan Snowball Cookies: Buttery, Nutty, and Perfectly Sweet
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about Pecan Snowball Cookies. With their tender, buttery texture and delicate coating of powdered sugar, they evoke memories of holiday kitchens, cozy afternoons, and the simple joy of homemade treats. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving a satisfying crunch from the pecans and the sweet whisper of sugar on your tongue. These cookies are timeless and perfect for any occasion, from festive celebrations to casual coffee breaks.
I’ll never forget the first batch I made. The aroma of butter and pecans filled the kitchen, and the powdered sugar dusting reminded me of fresh snow on a winter morning. Rolling the dough into small balls and watching them transform in the oven into golden-bottomed, snow-dusted gems was almost magical. The double coating of powdered sugar is what makes these cookies so special—it gives that classic snowball look while adding an extra touch of sweetness.
What’s great about these cookies is how simple yet elegant they are. They require basic pantry ingredients and just a bit of attention to detail. The finely chopped pecans ensure every bite has that nutty flavor, while the buttery dough keeps the texture soft and tender. Whether you’re baking for family, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself, Pecan Snowball Cookies are guaranteed to impress.
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Mix in the vanilla extract.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
-
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
-
Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed in the dough.
-
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
-
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
-
Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
-
While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
-
Once cooled completely, roll cookies again in powdered sugar to give them a snowball effect.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
Tips and Variations
For the best texture, use finely chopped pecans so every bite is evenly nutty. Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice is essential to achieving that classic snowball appearance and sweetness. You can also toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan for 3-4 minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the dough.
For a variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a subtle warm spice flavor. Alternatively, swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred. These cookies can also be made slightly smaller or larger—just adjust baking time slightly to ensure even baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pecan Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday platters, cookie exchanges, or afternoon tea. Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for serving at parties or as a sweet snack. They pair wonderfully with coffee, hot chocolate, or milk, making them a comforting treat during colder months.
They’re also a fantastic option for gifting. Stack a few in a festive tin, wrap with parchment, and tie with a ribbon. The snowball look and buttery flavor are guaranteed to impress friends and family.
Storage and Freezing
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. They can also be frozen: after rolling in powdered sugar, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once firm, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will remain soft and tender.
Q: Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw?
A: Yes, roasted pecans add extra flavor. Toasting them lightly before adding to the dough enhances the nutty aroma.
Q: Can I skip the double powdered sugar coating?
A: You can, but the double coating gives the classic snowball look and extra sweetness that makes these cookies special.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. They store well in an airtight container and can also be frozen for later enjoyment.
