Pecan Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a delightful holiday favorite. With a buttery, nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to resemble little snowballs, making them a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter. They’re easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Here’s how to create these classic treats!
Ingredients:
- 2¼ cups pecans (about 1⅓ cup finely chopped or ground)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered confectioners’ sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2½ teaspoons vanilla extract (Mexican vanilla extract recommended for richer flavor, or up to 1 tbsp for extra flavor)
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups powdered confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
- 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 easier, but be careful not to over-process, or it could turn into a paste.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until well incorporated.
- Add the Flour and Pecans:
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Then, fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- This will make it easier to handle and help the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- 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.
- Bake:
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the cookies too dry.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- 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.
Conclusion:
These beloved Pecan Snowball Cookies are a holiday essential! Their melt-in-your-mouth, buttery texture pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, all dusted in a sweet powdered sugar coating. Simple to prepare yet wonderfully festive, they’re ideal for cookie swaps, seasonal gift-giving, or enjoying during a cozy winter gathering. These classic treats bring warmth and cheer to any occasion, making them the perfect way to spread holiday joy to loved ones near and far. Indulge in these delightful snowballs and share the sweetness with family and friends!