Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a little snowflake of happiness, then this Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. These delicate cookies combine a rich buttery base with the toasty crunch of pecans, all wrapped up in a soft, powdery coating that gives every bite a festive, dreamy softness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these snowball cookies deliver that perfect balance of texture and flavor you didn’t even know you needed until now.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential to achieve the classic buttery, nutty, and snowy sweetness that defines this cookie. Each element plays a special role in creating that tender crumb and irresistible flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): The heart of the cookie, delivering richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup plus extra for rolling): Sweetens the dough delicately and provides the signature snowball coating.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds a warm, fragrant depth to elevate every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structure that holds everything together while keeping the cookies tender.
- Salt (ÂĽ tsp): Enhances the buttery flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 cup): Offers a lovely nutty crunch that complements the soft cookie base beautifully.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This small prep step will pay off with perfectly shaped snowballs at the end.
Step 2: Whip Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together. This is the magic moment when your dough begins to transform — your butter becomes light and fluffy, ensuring the cookies bake up with that classic, soft texture you love.
Step 3: Add Vanilla, Flour, Salt, and Pecans
Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour and salt until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here, or your cookies could turn out tough. Finally, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans; they add a perfect texture contrast and nutty flavor that’s absolutely addictive.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. These compact little spheres bake beautifully, so try to keep them evenly sized for consistent baking.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden bottoms rather than browned tops—this subtle warmth is key. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before the final step.
Step 6: Coat in Powdered Sugar Twice
This is the moment your cookies become snowballs in the sweetest sense. While they’re still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar for a soft coating. Once cooled completely, roll them again for that iconic thick, snowy finish that makes these house favorites year after year.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate the visual and taste appeal, sprinkle a tiny pinch of finely grated orange zest over the powdered sugar coating for a subtle citrus pop that contrasts beautifully with the richness. A light dusting of cinnamon can also add a warm spice note perfect for cozy gatherings.
Side Dishes
Pair these buttery pecan snowball cookies with a frothy mug of hot cocoa, a creamy latte, or even a cup of spiced tea. Their gentle sweetness complements warm drinks wonderfully, making them an ideal companion for chilly afternoons or holiday celebrations.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift or party treat, nestle these cookies in small parchment-lined boxes tied with rustic twine or colorful ribbons. You can also present them on a tiered dessert stand along with other seasonal cookies, making a visually delightful and inviting dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe cookies are fully cooled and coated, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, maintaining their texture and flavor beautifully when kept out of direct sunlight.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after rolling in powdered sugar. If freezing before, do so in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. Frozen cookies keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then dust with powdered sugar.
Reheating
Snowball cookies are best enjoyed soft and fresh, but if you want to warm them slightly, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness without melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts in the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully in place of pecans. Just make sure to finely chop them to maintain the cookie’s tender texture while keeping that delightful crunch in each bite.
Why do I need to coat the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coating sticks while the cookies are warm, creating a light sugary shell, and the second coating after cooling adds a thick, snowy finish that characterizes these cookies. This double roll gives them their signature look and sweetness.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Unsalted butter is preferred because it lets you control the salt level in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt to avoid an overly salty cookie.
How do I prevent my snowball cookies from becoming crumbly?
Be sure to soften your butter properly and mix the dough just until combined to keep the structure intact. Overmixing can create a tough texture and cause the cookies to crumble rather than hold together.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Traditional Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies use all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Final Thoughts
If you take just one thing away today, let it be this: the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is a timeless, crowd-pleasing gem that you can whip up with ease and love every bite. Whether you’re gifting them to loved ones or sneaking a few for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile and a warm feeling right to your kitchen. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking some snowy little pockets of joy today!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are classic melt-in-your-mouth treats with a rich buttery flavor, studded with finely chopped pecans and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar. These cookies are perfect for holidays or any cozy gathering, delivering a delightful crunch with a soft, crumbly texture.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ÂĽ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls for uniform size, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden brown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on it for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before handling.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create the first coating. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to add a thicker, signature snowball coating.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the cookies.
- Be sure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- Rolling cookies while warm allows the sugar to stick better.
- Ensure nuts are finely chopped so they incorporate well into the dough.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
