The Coziest Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe for Winter

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth buttery pecan snowball cookies create magic in every delightful bite.

Powdery white surfaces hint at winter’s sweet embrace.

Delicate crumbs practically dance across plates with elegant simplicity.

Southern kitchens cherish these classic treats passed through generations.

Pecans add rich, nutty warmth to each tender morsel.

Fragrant with vanilla and dusted generously with confectioners’ sugar, these cookies promise pure comfort.

FAQs Regarding Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

• Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor.

• How do I prevent the cookies from crumbling?

Ensure the butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to help the cookies hold together.

• Are these cookies good for holiday baking?

Absolutely! These snowball cookies are perfect for Christmas and winter gatherings, and they look festive with their powdered sugar coating.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping.

Why Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe Is a Holiday Favorite

• Delight in Holiday Magic: These snowball cookies capture the essence of winter celebrations with their powdery white coating and nutty pecan crunch.
• Master Simple Baking: Beginners can confidently create these cookies with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that require minimal culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts, adjust sugar levels, or add a hint of vanilla to personalize this classic treat according to family preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: Compact and delicate, these cookies make wonderful gifts for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings, spreading joy through homemade sweetness.

Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

• Butter: The key fat that provides rich, creamy flavor and tender texture to the cookies.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add a delightful nutty taste and provide a satisfying texture to the snowball cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and creates a classic snowy white coating.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for rolling the warm and cooled cookies to create a beautiful snow-like appearance.

Instructions to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for some cookie magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Salt

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a cloud-like, fluffy mixture.

Step 3: Fold in Nutty Goodness

Gently stir chopped pecans into the creamy mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls, each about the size of a walnut. Arrange these little gems on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving some breathing room between them.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookie sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye out for lightly browned bottoms – that’s your signal they’re done.

Step 6: First Sugar Coating

Carefully remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool just a bit. While they’re still warm, give them a luxurious roll in powdered sugar.

Step 7: Final Snowy Touch

Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar once more. This creates a delightful, snow-like coating that makes these treats irresistible.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up these melt-in-your-mouth Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies and watch them disappear!

Baking Tips for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and smoother cookie texture.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and improve overall taste profile.
• Use a light touch when rolling cookies in powdered sugar to prevent them from becoming too dense or compact.
• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture and prevent sticking.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend without compromising the cookie's rich, buttery essence.

Variation Ideas for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

• Chocolate Drizzle Snowballs: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a rich, decadent touch. Sprinkle crushed pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor.
• Almond Variation: Replace pecans with finely chopped almonds. Add a hint of almond extract to the dough for a nutty, aromatic profile that elevates the classic recipe.
• Coconut Fusion: Mix shredded coconut into the dough and roll finished cookies in toasted coconut flakes. Creates a tropical-inspired version with added texture and sweetness.
• Maple Pecan Remix: Replace some powdered sugar with maple syrup in the dough. Finish with a light maple glaze for a warm, autumnal take on the traditional snowball cookie.

Pairings That Complement Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

• Pair Warm Chai Tea: Creamy, spiced chai tea complements the buttery, nutty flavor of snowball cookies perfectly. Its aromatic blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger enhances the sweet pecan notes.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Latte: Rich, smooth vanilla latte creates a luxurious contrast with the powdery, delicate snowball cookies. The coffee's warmth and creamy texture balance the cookie's light, crumbly texture.
• Match Dark Roast Coffee: Bold, robust dark roast coffee cuts through the cookie's sweetness, providing a strong flavor counterpoint. Its deep, slightly bitter profile highlights the cookie's buttery pecan essence.
• Select Dessert Wine Pairing: Sweet moscato or port wine offers a delightful accompaniment, matching the cookie's powdery sugar coating and enhancing its nutty, rich undertones.

How to Store Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

• Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore slight crispness. Avoid overheating to prevent burning the delicate texture.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Dust with additional powdered sugar to refresh the snowy appearance before serving.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Pecan snowball cookies drift like delicate winter whispers, melting with rich, nutty sweetness. Powdery sugar clouds blanket these classic holiday treats, offering pure comfort in each delightful, crumbly bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) butter, softened
• 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar

Seasoning:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Blend softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl until the texture becomes airy and silky smooth.
2. Gently fold chopped pecans into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
3. Shape the dough into compact, uniform 1-inch spheres using gentle rolling motions between your palms.
4. Arrange the cookie balls on an ungreased baking sheet, positioning them with approximately 1-inch spacing to allow proper expansion during baking.
5. Place the cookie sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a delicate golden-brown color developing on the bottom edges.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to stabilize and firm slightly.
7. While the cookies are still warm but not scorching, delicately roll each one in powdered sugar, creating an initial light coating.
8. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, which helps maintain their delicate texture.
9. Once fully cooled, perform a second powdered sugar coating, ensuring a thick, snow-like appearance that completely envelops each cookie.
10. Serve and savor these delectable, melt-in-your-mouth pecan snowball cookies.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for the cookies.
• Use room temperature butter for smoother mixing and better incorporation with other ingredients, ensuring a consistent cookie texture.
• Experiment with alternative nut options like almonds or walnuts for different flavor variations while maintaining the classic snowball cookie structure.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming balls to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape during baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 122 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg