These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the epitome of holiday baking! Light, melt-in-your-mouth, and with a touch of nuttiness from the pecans, they are the perfect little treat to share with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating the season or just craving something sweet, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you’re going to love them!
Why You’ll Love Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies practically dissolve in your mouth, with that perfect buttery texture that makes every bite pure bliss.
Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have cookies that taste like they took hours to make.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for the holidays, gifting cookies, or simply indulging in a delicious treat, these cookies fit the bill.
Customizable: You can switch out the pecans for other nuts, or even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little extra warmth.
A Classic Favorite: These snowball cookies are a timeless treat that never go out of style. Once you try them, they’ll become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
These snowball cookies come together with simple ingredients, and each one plays a key part in creating that rich, buttery flavor.
Butter: The base of these cookies—rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. Make sure it’s softened, so it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Powdered Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and a soft texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
Flour: The foundation that holds everything together and gives the cookies that delicate, crumbly texture.
Pecans: Toasted and chopped, the pecans bring a nutty crunch that perfectly balances the buttery sweetness of the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds a touch of warmth and enhances the flavor of the pecans.
Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness and helps round out the flavors of the dough.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Toast the Pecans
Toast your pecans in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly darker. Let them cool, then chop them finely.
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and mix again. Gradually stir in the flour until just combined, followed by the chopped pecans.
Form the Cookies
Scoop small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into little balls. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-bake.
Coat with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, roll the cookies in a generous coating of powdered sugar for that signature snowball effect.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 120-150 calories
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
These cookies are perfect for serving with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a great addition to any cookie platter during the holiday season.
Additional Tips
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
- Add a Twist: Try adding mini chocolate chips or a dash of cinnamon for a fun flavor variation.
- Make Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use salted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter for these cookies so you can control the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter, skip the added salt.
2. Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes! You can use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor, or skip the nuts entirely if preferred.
3. Why are my cookies not holding their shape?
This can happen if the dough is too warm. Try chilling it before baking, and don’t overmix the dough.
4. How can I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour in a 1:1 ratio. Make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that works well for baking.
6. Can I roll the cookies in sugar before baking?
You can, but they are traditionally rolled in powdered sugar after baking. If you want extra sweetness, you can roll them in sugar before and after.
7. Can I add flavoring to these cookies?
Yes! A splash of almond extract or cinnamon could add a warm touch to the flavor.
8. Why are my cookies too crumbly?
If your cookies are too crumbly, you might have over-measured the flour. Make sure to measure carefully and consider chilling the dough if needed.
9. Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Of course! You can leave the nuts out entirely or replace them with dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for a slight golden color on the edges. They should still feel soft in the center, but firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion—whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, gifting cookies, or simply indulging in a cozy moment. The combination of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans creates a bite-sized delight that everyone will love. So, grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for the holiday season. The rich, buttery cookie dough is studded with toasted pecans and generously rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, nutty finish.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar until fully coated.
9. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
– Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
– Roll in powdered sugar while the cookies are still warm for the best coating.
– Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 100mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg