Description
Delightfully buttery and nutty, these Pecan Cookie Balls—also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies—are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, they offer a sweet, crunchy bite packed with finely chopped pecans.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough. Then, mix in the vanilla extract evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout. The dough should be thick but pliable.
- Shape Cookie Balls: Using your hands, roll the dough into approximately 1-inch sized balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookie balls in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale, indicating they are perfectly baked and tender.
- Cool and Sugar Coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, carefully roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar. Allow them to cool completely and then roll once more in powdered sugar for a classic snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
Notes
- These cookies are traditionally called Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies.
- For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and mixing them into the dough.
- Store the cookie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
