There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of a cookie that melts in your mouth while surrounding you with the warmth of buttery, nutty flavors. Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies – Perfectly Buttery and Sweet are a timeless holiday treat that brings joy to cookie plates, potlucks, and dessert tables everywhere. These delicate cookies, rolled in powdered sugar, are simple yet elegant—perfect for the holidays or any time you want to treat yourself.
If you’re looking for a foolproof cookie recipe that feels festive and indulgent, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of snowball cookies and explore how to create this buttery delight step by step.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Snowball Cookies
Pecan snowball cookies are not just another dessert; they’re a celebration of simplicity and tradition. With their light, crumbly texture and sweet, snowy coating, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s:
- Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this an approachable recipe for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
- Perfectly Sweet: The sweetness of powdered sugar complements the buttery pecan flavor without overwhelming it.
- Versatile: These cookies are excellent for gifting, serving at parties, or enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Whether you call them snowballs, Mexican wedding cookies, or Russian tea cakes, one thing is certain: these cookies are irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients for Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery pecan cookies.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pecans | 2¼ cups (about 1⅓ cups finely chopped) |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Powdered confectioners’ sugar | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract (Mexican vanilla recommended) | 2½ teaspoons or up to 1 tbsp for extra flavor |
| All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups |
| Powdered confectioners’ sugar (for dusting) | 1½ cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pecans
- Finely chop or grind the pecans until they’re very small, almost like a coarse meal.
- You can use a food processor to make this step easier, but be careful not to over-process, or the pecans could turn into a paste.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until well incorporated.
3. Add the Flour and Pecans
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
4. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and makes the dough easier to handle.
5. Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between cookies.
6. Bake
- Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies dry.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar
- While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar to coat.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a thicker, snowy coating.
Tips for the Best Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans deliver the best flavor. Toast them lightly for an even nuttier taste.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Double Dusting: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice ensures a thick, snowy coating that won’t melt away.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to maintain the cookies’ delicate texture.
- Store Correctly: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Creative Variations for Snowball Cookies
While the classic recipe is perfect on its own, you can experiment with these fun twists:
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add mini chocolate chips for a touch of chocolatey goodness.
- Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Coconut Snowballs: Fold shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist.
- Lemon Snowballs: Swap the vanilla extract for lemon extract and add a bit of lemon zest for a citrusy version.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 40mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands.
Why Pecan Snowball Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
These Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies are the ultimate holiday cookie. Their snowy appearance is festive and reminiscent of winter wonderlands, making them a perfect addition to Christmas cookie trays or gift boxes.
What’s more, these cookies are quick to whip up and don’t require any fancy equipment. Whether you’re hosting a party or baking for a cookie exchange, these treats are sure to impress.
FAQs About Pecan Snowball Cookies
1. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts can be substituted for pecans, but the flavor will be slightly different.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made and chilled up to 24 hours in advance. Just bring it to room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.
4. Why is my dough crumbly?
The dough is naturally a bit crumbly but should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk or water.
5. Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
The powdered sugar coating is traditional, but you can skip it or replace it with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel.
6. Why did my cookies flatten?
Flattening usually occurs if the dough wasn’t chilled enough or the butter was too warm. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
These Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies – Perfectly Buttery and Sweet are a must-try for anyone who loves simple yet delicious desserts. Their crumbly texture, nutty flavor, and sweet powdered sugar coating make them a joy to bake and share.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh-baked cookies. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or just because, these snowball cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
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Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies – Perfectly Buttery and Sweet
- Total Time: Total Time:
- Yield: 30 cookies
Description
These Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies are a buttery, nutty treat that melts in your mouth and leaves a snowy layer of powdered sugar sweetness. Perfect for the holidays or any time you want a simple yet elegant dessert, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. With just a few pantry staples and a little love, you can create a batch of these timeless cookies that everyone will adore.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups pecans (about 1⅓ cups finely chopped or ground)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered confectioners’ sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract (Mexican vanilla recommended, or up to 1 tbsp for extra flavor)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups powdered confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pecans
- Finely chop or grind the pecans until they resemble a coarse meal. Use a food processor to make this step quicker, but avoid over-processing to prevent creating a paste.
2. Mix the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until well combined.
3. Add the Flour and Pecans
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed. The dough will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
4. Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading during baking.
5. Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between cookies.
6. Bake
- Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies dry.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Dust with Powdered Sugar
- While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar for a light coating.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to create a thick, snowy layer.
Notes
- Pecan Substitute: Walnuts can be used if pecans aren’t available.
- Chilling is Key: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading and helps maintain their round shape.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Cookies can also be frozen (uncoated) for up to 2 months.
- Double Dusting: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice ensures a full, snowy coating that stays intact.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
