If you have a sweet tooth and love a melt-in-your-mouth treat, you are going to adore this Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful little cookies are a perfect balance of rich, buttery dough and crunchy pecans, all dusted generously with powdered sugar to create that magical snowball effect. Every bite is soft and tender with a satisfying nutty crunch, reminding me of cozy winter afternoons and festive gatherings with loved ones. Whether it’s for a holiday platter or an everyday indulgence, these cookies bring warmth and joy straight from your oven to your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first secret to nailing this recipe. Each one plays an essential role in creating the tender texture and rich flavor that’s so iconic in these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter to ensure your dough is smooth and provides that irresistible buttery richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates the signature snowy coating on these cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor that complements the nuts perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structure of your cookie dough depends on this, giving it that delicate crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and highlight the butter’s richness.
- Finely Chopped Pecans: The star nut in this recipe, adding crunch and a toasty flavor that’s absolutely dreamy.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Getting the oven ready sets the stage for everything to come.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until they become light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is critical since it incorporates air and gives your cookies their tender texture. Next, mix in the vanilla extract for that warm aromatic touch. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing gently to combine, then fold in the chopped pecans carefully so you keep that nutty crunch perfect.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Space each one about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet, giving them room to bake evenly without spreading too much.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for the bottoms to develop a light golden hue. This is the sweet spot where they are cooked through but still tender in the center. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes—this rest time helps them set up so they don’t crumble easily.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Here is where the magic happens! While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to create their classic snowy coating. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, and once cool, roll them a second time in powdered sugar for that thick, snowy finish that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra charm, consider dusting your cookies lightly with cinnamon or a pinch of cocoa powder mixed into the powdered sugar. It adds a subtle warmth or a hint of chocolate that pairs beautifully with the pecan flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or even a creamy chai latte. The bittersweet or spiced beverages complement the cookie’s buttery sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, arrange your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for a seasonal touch. You can also serve them in decorative tins or mason jars tied with rustic twine as charming homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to one week. Layering them between sheets of parchment paper helps prevent sticking and keeps the powdered sugar coating intact.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They can be stored frozen for up to three months and enjoyed at your convenience.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature. To refresh their texture, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This will warm them up gently, bringing back that fresh-baked softness and boosting those lovely nutty aromas.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Just make sure to chop them finely to keep that tender cookie texture.
Do I have to roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
Rolling twice creates the iconic thick “snowball” coating that’s so satisfying, but if you prefer less sweetness, one roll is perfectly fine.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly.
How should I store the cookies to keep the powder sugar intact?
Keep them in a container lined with parchment paper and avoid stacking them too tightly. Layer with parchment paper between cookie layers to maintain the lovely powder-sugar coating.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy comfort of homemade Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe fresh from the oven. They are surprisingly simple to make, yet the taste and texture feel like a special treat every single time. I encourage you to try this recipe soon — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a beloved favorite in your cookie repertoire. Happy baking and even happier snacking!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats featuring a tender, buttery dough studded with finely chopped pecans. These classic cookies are baked until lightly golden on the bottom, then generously coated in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Carefully fold in the finely chopped pecans to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands, shaping each evenly. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet, allowing room for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden color. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat completely. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool entirely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time to achieve a thick, snowy coating that enhances the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, softened unsalted butter to ensure a tender texture.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can help maintain cookie shape but is optional.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent sugar coating from melting.
- For a nut-free version, substitute pecans with toasted coconut flakes or omit nuts entirely.
- Make sure to roll cookies in powdered sugar twice for that signature snowball appearance.
