There is something truly magical about a classic that brings so much joy with every bite, and the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe fits that description perfectly. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are bursting with rich butter flavor, perfectly toasted pecans, and a snowy coating of powdered sugar that makes them look as delightful as they taste. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or preparing a festive spread, these cookies never fail to impress with their tender texture and nutty crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, creating a balance of buttery richness, nutty texture, and just the right sweetness to make these cookies irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened for easy mixing and to provide the rich, creamy base that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup plus more for rolling): Adds delicate sweetness and helps create the iconic snowy coating on each cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Provides a warm, fragrant depth that complements the butter and nuts beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that holds the dough together while keeping the cookies tender.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 cup): Toasty and crunchy, they add texture and a nutty richness that makes these snowballs extra special.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and to help the cookies bake evenly. Setting your oven correctly is key to achieving that perfect golden bottom and tender bite.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds the cookie’s light texture. Next, stir in the vanilla extract for that rich aroma and flavor. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing just until combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough. Finally, fold in the finely chopped pecans to disperse the nutty goodness throughout every bite.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls, making sure they’re uniform in size to ensure even baking. Place these balls about 1 inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking without spreading into each other.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms turn lightly golden. The scent wafting from your oven will make it difficult to wait! Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before handling—they will be fragile when hot but firm up quickly.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar for that first snowy layer. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time to create a gorgeously thick, snowy coating that defines the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe and gives these little gems their charming snowy appearance.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies stand perfectly on their own, you can add a festive touch by dusting them with extra powdered sugar right before serving. For a fun twist, sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top to elevate the warmth and aroma of the pecans.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot drink like chai tea, coffee, or a creamy hot chocolate. Their buttery, nutty flavor contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced notes of these beverages, making for a cozy and comforting treat time.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking your cookies in a mason jar tied with a festive ribbon for a delightful gift. Alternatively, arrange them on a decorative plate surrounded by fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary to bring out beautiful holiday vibes. Their snowy coating makes them an elegant addition to any cookie platter or dessert buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftovers fresh by storing the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy that buttery pecan goodness whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or as raw dough balls. For baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag—this prevents sticking. When frozen properly, they keep well for up to three months. To bake from frozen dough, simply add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Warm your cookies slightly in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to refresh their buttery softness and bring out the toasted pecan aroma. Avoid microwaving, as that can make them too soft or chewy.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts make a delicious substitute and offer a similar nutty crunch, though pecans tend to be a bit sweeter and buttery, which complements this cookie recipe perfectly.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Using chilled dough helps maintain their shape, so if your kitchen is warm, try refrigerating the dough balls for 15–20 minutes before baking. Also, avoid adding too much butter beyond the recipe amount.
Why do these cookies have a crumbly texture?
The crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture comes from the high butter content and the powdered sugar, which creates a tender and delicate crumb. It’s exactly what makes the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe so special.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, you can make a gluten-free version. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling twice creates the signature snowy coating that defines these cookies and adds an extra layer of sweetness. Skipping the second roll is fine but the cookies won’t have that classic “snowball” look and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe with loved ones. These cookies bring a beautiful balance of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and snowy sweetness that can brighten any day. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—once you do, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your cookie collection, perfect for any occasion!
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 buttery dough loaded with finely chopped pecans. Rolled generously in powdered sugar, these classic cookies are perfect for festive occasions or a comforting sweet snack. With a crisp exterior and a tender, nutty interior, they are easy to make and delightfully satisfying.
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 the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
- 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 incorporated. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until the dough just comes together. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans to distribute evenly.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the bottoms are a light golden color. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a thicker, snowball-like coating that enhances their classic look and taste.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth and fluffy dough.
- Chop pecans finely to ensure even texture and to prevent large chunks in the cookies.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates the signature snowball appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and replace them with an equal amount of extra flour or rolled oats.
