Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats featuring a rich buttery base, finely chopped pecans, and a generous coating of powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy occasion, these cookies combine a tender crumb with a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Mix dry ingredients and pecans: Add salt and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, then gradually add the flour while mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand to maintain texture.
- Shape the cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful to avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender.
- Initial cooling and dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to begin the snowy coating.
- Final cooling and dusting: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy finish.
- Serve: Arrange the cookies on a serving platter and enjoy the buttery, nutty snowball cookies with family and friends.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Finely chopping the pecans ensures even distribution and a pleasant bite.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain tender inside.
- Double dusting with powdered sugar creates the classic snowball appearance and adds sweetness.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts and add an extra ½ cup flour to maintain dough consistency.
Keywords: Buttery pecan cookies, Snowball cookies, Holiday cookies, Powdered sugar cookies, Nut cookies
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/buttery-pecan-snowball-cookies-recipe/
