If you’re searching for a melt-in-your-mouth delight that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, look no further than this Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe. These tender, nutty bites are the perfect combination of rich butter, fragrant vanilla, and crunchy pecans, all generously coated in powdered sugar that makes them look like little winter treasures. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these cookies offer that nostalgic comfort and elegant flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in how simple yet essential every ingredient is. Each component works harmoniously to create a cookie that’s buttery, crumbly, and delightfully nutty with just the right sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The star of the recipe, butter delivers that rich, creamy texture and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup plus extra for rolling): Gives the dough subtle sweetness and a soft, delicate finish on the outside.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds a lovely fragrant depth that complements the buttery and nutty notes perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure to the cookies while keeping them tender and crumbly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 cup): Toasted if preferred, these bring a delicious crunch and earthy richness.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, helping you get that perfect golden bottom and a soft top.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with the 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and creamy. This step creates the buttery base that gives these cookies their signature tender texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract for that mouthwatering aroma and a subtle sweetness that elevates every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender and crumbly.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Gently stir in the finely chopped pecans. Toasting them beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into balls and place them roughly 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. The uniform size helps them bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until their bottoms just start to turn lightly golden, while the tops remain pale. This keeps the cookies tender and prevents over-baking.
Step 8: Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to start building that classic snowy coating. Then transfer to a wire rack, cool completely, and roll again for a full, luscious coat.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are stunning on their own, but for an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar just before serving to give them that fresh-fallen snow look. You can also add a tiny dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for subtle warmth.
Side Dishes
Pair your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with a hot cup of spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or creamy hot chocolate. They also delight alongside fresh fruit or creamy vanilla ice cream if you want to mix textures and temperatures.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, arrange these cookies in a pyramid on a decorative plate or tie small stacks with rustic twine and attach a sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick for a charming gift idea. Their snowy white coating makes them perfect for holiday cookie platters or elegant wedding favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to revive that just-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives and will still give you that lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Toasting is optional but highly recommended. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a warm, toasty crunch that makes the cookies even more delicious.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll while warm helps the sugar adhere and melt slightly, creating a sticky coating. The second roll after they’ve cooled ensures a thick, even layer that looks and tastes perfect.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but results may vary since the texture relies on all-purpose flour. It’s best to use a blend formulated for baking to maintain tenderness.
How do I keep the cookies from crumbling too much?
Make sure not to overbake these cookies and use softened butter when creaming. Also, handle them gently when rolling in sugar to keep their delicate structure intact.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of biting into a freshly baked batch of these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe treats. With their rich, buttery flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating, they bring warmth and celebration to any moment. I hope you have as much fun baking and sharing them as I have enjoying every crumb!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights, perfect for holiday gatherings or any sweet occasion. Packed with finely chopped pecans and rolled generously in powdered sugar, these traditional American cookies offer a delicate buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
For Rolling
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, which incorporates air and helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a rich flavor into the cookie dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped pecans evenly distributing the nuts throughout the dough for a delightful crunch.
- Form Dough Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms into a smooth ball. Repeat until all dough is used, placing the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, watching for the bottoms to turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar First Time: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar for the first coating.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool entirely, allowing them to set properly without becoming soggy.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar Again: Once fully cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar to create that signature snowball appearance and extra sweetness.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast pecans lightly before chopping to bring out their nuttiness.
- Dough can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking to save time.
- These cookies freeze very well, keeping their texture and taste for up to 2 months—store in an airtight container.
