Name: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup finely chopped pecans; 1 cup powdered sugar

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If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday treat to bring a little magic to your cookie plate, look no further than these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, delicate nutty flavor, and a snowy coating of powdered sugar, these cookies are as comforting as your favorite sweater. This recipe combines simplicity and nostalgia into every bite — and they’re just as delightful to make as they are to eat.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies lies in their short ingredient list, but don’t be fooled—each component pulls its weight. From the creamy richness of butter to the crunch of pecans, every ingredient brings something special to the table.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides melt-in-your-mouth richness and the classic tender texture.
Powdered Sugar (½ cup for dough, 1 cup for rolling): Adds sweetness and that signature snowy coating for irresistible appeal.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors with warmth and depth.
All-purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): Gives the cookies their sturdy-yet-tender bite that holds up to rolling and baking.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweet and enhance each flavor.
Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped): Toasty, nutty bits that add crunch and flavor to every single snowball.

How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and pale. This is where the foundation for that pillow-soft texture begins!

Step 2: Add Vanilla

Mix in vanilla extract, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the fluffy butter mixture. The fragrance alone signals that you’re making something special—don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Add Pecans

Gradually introduce the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Now, gently stir in the finely chopped pecans. You want bits of pecan in every bite, so make sure they’re evenly mixed in.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it in your hands to make 1-inch balls. Line them up on your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about an inch apart. The dough is soft but forgiving, so shaping is a breeze.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the bottoms start to turn golden but the tops are still pale. This gentle bake keeps them tender and shortbread-like—just what you want from Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies!

Step 6: Sugar Coat for a Snowy Finish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; they’ll be fragile at first. While still warm, roll each cookie carefully in the remaining powdered sugar. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, give them one more generous roll in powdered sugar for that classic, snowy look.

How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

Go beyond the classic dusting! Sprinkle a tiny bit of finely chopped pecans on top or a hint of cinnamon in your powdered sugar for a festive finish. The snowy coating really is all you need, but a creative touch never hurts when you’re serving Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies at a holiday table.

Side Dishes

These cookies are lovely with a mug of hot chocolate, spiced chai, or a cup of strong coffee. They also pair beautifully with fruit preserves or homemade whipped cream to balance the richness, making them even more irresistible!

Creative Ways to Present

Pack Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies into decorative tins for a heartfelt homemade gift, or pile them in a glass jar for a rustic-chic centerpiece. For parties, nestle each cookie in a paper liner and group them on a colorful cake stand—watch how quickly they disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay perfectly tender and delicious for up to a week (though they’ve never actually lasted that long in my house!).

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, freeze the unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking, and let them thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, give the cookies a quick zap in the microwave for 7-10 seconds, or pop them on a baking tray in a low oven for a few minutes. Roll in fresh powdered sugar if needed—the snowy look comes right back!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert, Cookies

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds offer a tasty twist if you don’t have pecans on hand. Just be sure to chop your choice of nuts finely so they blend well into the dough.

What makes Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies so soft?

The secret is softened butter blended until creamy, plus just enough flour to hold the dough together. This creates a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookie that stays tender for days.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten free baking flour. Make sure your substitute is designed to mimic regular flour’s properties for best results.

Why do I coat them in powdered sugar twice?

The first coating, while the cookies are still warm, helps the sugar stick and create that classic snowy effect. The second roll, once cooled, gives them an extra layer of sweetness and the perfect festive finish.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Since there’s no leavening in the dough, these cookies naturally hold their shape. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the dough balls before baking to ensure perfectly round snowballs every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about baking a batch of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies—they’re the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and your cookie jar with happiness. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear; I promise, these little snowballs will become a sweet tradition you’ll want to share year after year.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery, nutty flavor and a snowy coating of powdered sugar, they melt in your mouth with each bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans

For Rolling:

1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and creamy. Mix in vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in chopped pecans.
Form Dough Balls: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Roll in Sugar: While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar, then let cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.