These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a holiday classic. Soft, crumbly, and rich with nutty pecans, they literally melt in your mouth. Coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they resemble little snowballs — perfect for festive cookie trays, gift tins, or cozy winter snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup (120 g) finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually fold into the butter mixture until just combined.
4. Add Pecans:
Fold in finely chopped, toasted pecans evenly throughout the dough.
5. Shape Cookies:
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake:
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until cookies are set but still pale — they shouldn’t brown.
7. Coat in Powdered Sugar:
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. For extra “snowy” effect, roll again after completely cooled.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies are perfect with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Toast the pecans: Enhances flavor and gives a gentle crunch.
- Use unsalted butter: Allows control over sweetness.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies should remain pale for the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Double coating in powdered sugar: Gives a perfect snowy appearance.
Variations
- Almond Snowballs: Replace pecans with finely chopped almonds.
- Chocolate-Dusted Snowballs: Roll in a mixture of powdered sugar and cocoa for a chocolate twist.
- Spiced Snowballs: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warm holiday flavor.
Serving Ideas
- Perfect for holiday cookie trays or gift tins
- Pair with hot cocoa or tea for winter snacking
- Great for festive decorating — dust with extra powdered sugar before serving
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are soft, crumbly, and indulgently nutty — a melt-in-your-mouth holiday favorite that never fails to impress. ❄️✨