Description
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights with a rich buttery flavor and a delightful crunch from finely chopped pecans. Coated generously in powdered sugar, they are perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup pecans (or walnuts), finely chopped
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the ¼ teaspoon salt and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, then gradually add the 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour at low speed. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped ¾ cup pecans by hand using a spatula to evenly distribute them throughout the dough without overmixing.
- Shape Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are meant to be tender.
- First Coating: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in 1 cup of powdered sugar to begin forming the classic snowy coating.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for an extra thick, snowy finish.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious, buttery pecan snowball cookies as a delightful dessert or festive treat with family and friends.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.
- Use finely chopped pecans or walnuts according to preference for a similar texture and flavor.
- Do not overbake to maintain the tender crumb of the cookies.
- The double dusting of powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature snowball appearance and sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen before or after baking; if frozen after baking, allow to thaw and re-dust with powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Snowball Cookies, Pecan Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Buttery Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Powdered Sugar Cookies
