If you’re searching for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that captures the magic of cozy afternoons and festive gatherings, you’ve just found it. This Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute treasure—a delicate bite-sized delight bursting with buttery richness, toasted pecan crunch, and a snowy coating of powdered sugar that feels like a winter wonderland for your taste buds. These cookies are simple to make but exceptionally satisfying, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with a comforting cup of tea. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor and texture just right is all about the quality and balance of ingredients in this Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe. Each item plays a vital role—bringing softness, sweetness, nuttiness, and that signature melt-away feel that makes these cookies so irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Provides a rich, creamy base essential for that tender and fragrant crumb.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup plus extra for rolling): Adds a smooth sweetness and helps create the delicate snowball coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the sturdy yet soft structure that holds everything together perfectly.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 cup): Give an irresistible crunch and nutty depth that make these cookies stand out.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and getting your baking sheet ready with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly to a beautiful golden finish.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This process is key to creating those tender, buttery layers inside the cookie.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla extract for warmth and aroma. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, gently mixing until the dough comes together without overworking it. This keeps the cookies tender instead of tough. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans, distributing that perfect crunch evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Roll the dough into neat 1-inch balls and place them with a little breathing room, about 1 inch apart, on your prepared baking sheet. This helps each cookie bake evenly and keeps their shapes lovely and round.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 12 to 15 minutes until their bottoms turn a light golden shade. Once out of the oven, let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them firm up just enough for the next delicious step.
Step 6: The Snowball Coating
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. Place these snowy beauties on a wire rack to cool completely, then give them another light coating of powdered sugar for that signature double-layered snow finish. The result is a cookie that’s tender, buttery, nutty, and perfectly dusted like fresh snow.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these cookies are perfect on their own, you can elevate their charm by dusting a little extra powdered sugar right before serving. For a festive touch, drizzle some melted white chocolate or sprinkle finely grated orange zest over the top—it brightens and complements the pecan flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these snowball cookies with something warm and cozy, like a mug of hot cocoa or spiced chai tea. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries for a lovely balance of rich and fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these delectable snowballs in a rustic tin lined with a festive napkin for holiday gifting. Or create a beautiful cookie platter with varying nutty and spiced cookies to wow guests at any gathering. Wrapping small stacks tied with twine makes an adorable and thoughtful treat presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their delicate texture for up to a week—ideal for enjoying over several cozy afternoons or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw perfectly without losing their tender, buttery goodness.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in a low oven to revive their freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving, which can make them too soft or chewy instead of melt-in-your-mouth.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for the pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or pistachios all make delicious alternatives and keep the lovely nutty crunch that’s key to the texture of these cookies.
Why do the cookies get rolled in powdered sugar twice?
The double rolling creates that iconic snowball effect—giving the cookies a thicker, more even coating that lightly melts into the butter for a subtle sweetness and pretty presentation.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary in texture. Make sure to use a blend suitable for baking to achieve the best tender crumb possible.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes! You can shape the dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen with a minute or two added to the bake time.
How long do these cookies keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies maintain their freshness and delicious texture for about a week at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is a true gem that deserves a place in every baker’s collection. It’s approachable, heartwarming, and delivers that joyous melt-in-your-mouth moment with each bite. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because you love a sweet treat, don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats featuring a rich buttery flavor and crunchy pecan bites, all coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar for a festive snowy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a classic, nutty cookie.
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.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough is just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for a thicker, snowy coating.
Notes
- Ensure butter is fully softened for best mixing results.
- Chopping pecans finely helps them blend better into the dough.
- Rolling cookies in powdered sugar twice creates a classic snowball appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
