Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – Classic Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Treats
Bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your cookie platter with these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. With a tender, crumbly texture, a rich buttery flavor, and the nutty crunch of finely chopped pecans, these cookies are rolled in a sweet blanket of powdered sugar for the ultimate festive treat. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a cozy afternoon with tea or coffee.
Ingredients (Makes 36 Cookies)
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dough)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
For the Coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Cream
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and finely chopped pecans to the butter mixture. Mix gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into 36 small, uniform balls. Place them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are set but the cookies remain soft. They may look slightly underbaked in the center—this ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 5: Cool & Coat
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, place 1 cup of powdered sugar in a large bowl and gently toss the cookies to coat them thoroughly. For an extra festive look, repeat the coating for a second layer of powdered sugar.
Chef’s Tips
- Nut Variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Vanilla Boost: Use pure vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a richer aroma.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Presentation Tip: Arrange on a holiday platter and dust lightly with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a timeless classic—perfectly tender, nutty, and sweet—guaranteed to disappear from your cookie jar in no time!
