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
Scale
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.
