A beautifully arranged pile of perfectly round, deliciously appealing Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, generously dusted with powdered sugar, on a minimalist white plate, set on marble countertops with subtle wood accents. Natural morning light creates soft shadows, and fresh herbs are visible in the background, creating a warm and clean presentation. No hands visible.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: A Festive Classic

An inviting close-up of a single Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookie on a minimalist white plate, showing the creamy texture and generous powdered sugar coating. The cookie is positioned on the same wooden cutting board with soft shadows and warm tones from natural morning light, on marble countertops. Fresh herbs are subtly blurred in the background, emphasizing a clean and tidy presentation. No hands visible.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and for me, that enchantment often finds its way into the kitchen, particularly when baking Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These aren’t just a sweet treat; they’re a true holiday classic that instantly brings a smile to everyone’s face, evoking cherished memories of cozy gatherings and festive cheer. Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to take you on a delightful journey into the magic of these tender, melt-in-your-mouth gems, straight from my kitchen to yours.

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Imagine the gentle snowfall outside, the twinkling lights casting a warm glow, and the comforting aroma of these nutty, powdered sugar-dusted delights baking to perfection, filling your home with an irresistible scent. For a deeper dive into the classic rendition of these beloved treats, and to compare notes on achieving that perfect buttery crumb, you might also find this detailed guide on Taste Charm incredibly helpful.

This Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create warmth, share joy, and embrace the simple pleasures of the season with every single bite. And if you find yourself captivated by the wonderful world of snowball cookies, don’t miss out on another delightful twist—my vibrant Raspberry Snowball Cookies are a must-try for a burst of fruity flavor! So, let’s gather our ingredients and make some delicious memories, one perfect cookie at a time.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: A Festive Classic

Recipe by MayaCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Classic melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies, rich with buttery pecans and coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays and gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  • Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
  • Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  • Stir in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies will still be pale on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm (but cool enough to handle), gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for an extra thick coating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

    • Finely Chopped Pecans: For the best texture, ensure your pecans are very finely chopped, almost like a coarse meal. This prevents the cookies from crumbling too easily and ensures an even distribution of nutty flavor. You can pulse them quickly in a food processor.
    • Don’t Overbake: These cookies are meant to be pale and delicate! Baking them until deeply golden will make them dry. Look for just a hint of golden on the very bottom edge. They’ll firm up as they cool.
    • Double Sugar Roll: The secret to that iconic ‘snowball’ look is a double roll in powdered sugar. The first roll should happen when the cookies are still warm but not hot, which helps the sugar melt slightly and adhere. The second roll, once completely cooled, gives them a beautiful, fluffy, and lasting white coating.

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