If you are on the hunt for a cookie that’s as charming as it is delicious, the Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is a must-try. These little buttery delights are tender, nutty, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, creating a perfect snow-like finish that melts in your mouth. They offer a wonderfully delicate crumb and a sweet nutty crunch that’s just begging to be enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s holiday season or just a cozy afternoon snack, these classic cookies bring a warm, homey vibe to your kitchen and your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, classic bake-at-home ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each component plays a vital role in creating the soft, crumbly texture and rich flavor that make Pecan Snowball Cookies truly special. You’ll find that the combination of butter and powdered sugar forms a luscious base, while pecans add crunch and depth.
- 1 cup butter (softened): The foundation for richness and tenderness, softened for easy mixing.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic sweetness that elevates the cookie’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for the cookies’ delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted): Mixed into the dough for sweetness and a tender texture.
- 1 cup chopped pecans (or mini chocolate chips or leave out): Offers delightful crunch and a nutty taste that’s signature to snowball cookies.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): For rolling the cookies after baking, creating that iconic snowy coating.
How to Make Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Freezing Setup
Before diving into the mixing, gather all your ingredients so everything is at hand, and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Since the shaped cookies will spend time in the freezer, hold off on preheating your oven until later in the process. Preparing ahead ensures a smooth workflow and helps achieve the perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter Mixture
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is where you build that lush buttery flavor, which is essential for the soft melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re aiming for with Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe.
Step 3: Combine the Flour and Sugar
Next, add the all-purpose flour and powdered sugar into the butter mixture. Mix carefully until just combined without overworking the dough, as you want to keep these cookies tender and crumbly rather than dense and tough.
Step 4: Stir in the Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans (or if you’re in the mood to switch things up, mini chocolate chips are a fun alternative). Mixing gently ensures the nuts are evenly dispersed throughout the dough, giving every bite that satisfying crunch characteristic of the Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Pop the trays into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This chilling step helps the cookies keep their shape during baking and contributes to that tender texture you love.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the cookies one baking sheet at a time to ensure even heat circulation, preventing the cookies from melting into each other. After 10 to 15 minutes, they should be just lightly golden, signaling they’re perfectly baked.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before rolling each one generously in powdered sugar. This coats them with that iconic snowball look and adds a touch of extra sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
Step 8: Final Sugar Coat and Ready to Enjoy
Once completely cooled on a rack, give the cookies one more roll in powdered sugar for a beautifully snowy finish. They’re now ready to be served or stored, and trust me, you won’t be able to stop at just one.
How to Serve Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are gorgeous on their own, adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon powder on top brings out even more warmth and visual appeal. A small fresh mint leaf beside each cookie at a gathering adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pecan Snowball Cookies with classic holiday drinks like rich hot chocolate or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat. They also work beautifully with fresh fruit compotes or whipped cream on the side if you want to transform them into a more decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these cookies in elegant glass jars tied with rustic twine for gifting, or arrange them on tiered trays alongside other festive treats. For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for a delightful bite-sized dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pecan Snowball Cookies keep their freshness beautifully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The powdered sugar coating may absorb a bit of moisture over time, so refresh them with a quick dusting of sugar before serving for that perfect snowy look.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead for a party or holiday, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls in a single layer on parchment-lined sheets. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no thawing necessary!
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, if you’d like to warm them up slightly, place a few in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 10 seconds. This will soften the butter just enough to bring back that melt-in-your-mouth warmth without melting the sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans in the Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully and give a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining that delightful crunch. Just chop them finely to keep the right texture.
Why do the cookies need to chill in the freezer before baking?
Chilling the dough balls helps the cookies hold their round shape and prevents spreading too much during baking, which is key to achieving the classic snowball look and texture.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly, since salted butter contains salt already. This keeps the flavor balanced and prevents the cookies from becoming too salty.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking to make them suitable for gluten-free diets.
How long do the cookies last once baked?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within that time for optimal texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try this Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe because it truly is a timeless treat that’s both simple and spectacular. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons, festive gatherings, or any time you want a little sweet comfort. These cookies are guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites, bringing a snowy, nutty joy to your home with every bite!
Print
Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2.2 dozen (approximately 26 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Pecan Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats dusted generously with powdered sugar. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft within, they combine the nutty crunch of pecans with a delicate sweetness that’s ideal for holiday celebrations or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted if clumped together)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (OR mini chocolate chips OR leave out)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for coating, sifted if clumped together)
Instructions
- Prep: The shaped cookies need to be frozen before baking, so you’ll preheat the oven a bit later. Gather all your ingredients to have them ready.
- Cream butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat well with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add flour and sugar: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup powdered sugar to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until fully combined into a dough.
- Add pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans (or mini chocolate chips if preferred) at low mixer speed until evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
- Shape cookies and chill: Roll the dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and arrange them on lined baking sheets. Place the trays in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up the dough for better baking results.
- Bake: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake the cookies one tray at a time for 10-15 minutes, or until they are just turning lightly golden on the edges. Avoid overcrowding the oven to prevent the cookies from melting or spreading excessively.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, place the 1 cup of powdered sugar in a bowl and roll each warm cookie in the sugar to coat thoroughly. Transfer the sugared cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Re-roll and serve: Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a beautiful snowy finish. Serve immediately or store in airtight cookie tins, where they’ll stay fresh for 5-7 days.
Notes
- Freezing the dough balls before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and texture.
- Use sifted powdered sugar for coating to avoid clumps on the finished cookies.
- Allow cookies to cool fully before the second sugar coating to ensure it adheres well.
- You can substitute pecans with mini chocolate chips or leave them out for a nut-free version.
- Store cookies in airtight containers to maintain freshness and softness.
