Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat that melts in your mouth with every bite.
These delicate, buttery cookies are packed with the nutty richness of finely chopped pecans and rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish.
With their tender crumb and rich flavor, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them an irresistible and timeless dessert that’s sure to delight family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the salt and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the chopped pecans.
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Let cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and roll the cooled cookies in the sugar to coat.
For variations on Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
For an extra layer of indulgence, add mini chocolate chips or drizzle the cookies with melted chocolate after baking.
You can also add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
As for tips, make sure your butter is fully softened before starting, as this helps create a smooth, uniform dough.
When rolling the cookies in powdered sugar, do it twice:
once when they’re warm to help the sugar stick, and again after they’ve cooled for a beautiful, snowy finish.
Be careful not to overbake them; they should be lightly golden on the bottom but still pale on top to maintain their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
To store Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
You can store the cookies at room temperature for up to 1 week.
To prevent them from sticking together, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers of cookies in the container.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, simply let them thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
You can also roll them in a fresh layer of powdered sugar after thawing for a freshly dusted look.
Notes :
When making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, finely chop the pecans to ensure an even nutty flavor in every bite.
For easier handling, you can chill the dough for about 30 minutes if it’s too soft or sticky, which will help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Be sure to bake them until the bottoms are lightly golden while keeping the tops pale to preserve their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
After baking, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while warm and again after cooling—to achieve a thick, snowy coating.
If you’re planning ahead, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for up to three months.
Here are some variations and tips for making perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:
Variations:
Nut Variations:
Traditional Pecans: The classic version uses finely chopped pecans for their rich, buttery flavor.
Walnuts or Almonds: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a slightly different flavor profile.
Hazelnuts: For a unique twist, use toasted hazelnuts which add a lovely, nutty aroma.
Macadamia Nuts: These rich and creamy nuts work well in snowball cookies for an extra indulgent version.
Flavor Additions:
Vanilla (Traditional): Vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the buttery flavor.
Almond Extract: Use almond extract for a more nutty, sweet taste that pairs well with pecans.
Orange or Lemon Zest: For a bright and citrusy twist, add some zest to the dough for a refreshing balance to the richness.
Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Incorporate a pinch of warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add depth and a cozy flavor.
Chocolate Variations:
Chocolate-Dipped: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) for a decadent touch.
Chocolate Chips: Fold mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet surprise inside the cookies.
Cocoa Powder: For a chocolate snowball cookie, add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolaty base.
Sugar Variations:
Traditional Powdered Sugar: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar once or twice after baking for the classic look and taste.
Cinnamon Sugar: Mix powdered sugar with cinnamon for a spiced coating that adds a warm flavor.
Confectioners’ Sugar with Cocoa: Blend cocoa powder with powdered sugar for a light chocolatey coating.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Variations:
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure the powdered sugar is certified gluten-free.
Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative for a vegan-friendly version. Use a powdered sugar brand that is vegan as well.
Additions:
Dried Fruit: Add chopped dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins to the dough for a burst of tartness and texture.
Toffee Bits: Incorporate crushed toffee bits for extra crunch and sweetness.
Shredded Coconut: Mix in some unsweetened shredded coconut to enhance the texture and flavor of the cookies.
Tips for Making Perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:
Chop the Pecans Finely:
The nuts should be finely chopped but not ground into a powder. This ensures the cookies hold their shape while giving them the perfect crumbly texture. You can toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor.
Use Softened Butter:
Make sure the butter is softened (not melted) to ensure the dough comes together smoothly and the cookies have a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Chill the Dough:
After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and keeps them in a nice, round shape.
Roll Twice in Powdered Sugar:
For a perfectly snowy finish, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm, then again once they have cooled completely. The first coating sticks to the cookies, while the second creates a thick, snowy layer.
Don’t Overmix the Dough:
Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Cookies:
To ensure all cookies are the same size and bake evenly, use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) to portion out the dough.
Bake Until Just Golden:
Snowball cookies should be pale in color. Bake them until they are just starting to turn light golden brown on the bottom edges. They should still look slightly soft and pale on top.
Storage Tips:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
If you’re planning to store them longer, you can freeze the cookies without the powdered sugar coating. Once thawed, roll them in sugar before serving.
Avoid Sticking:
If the dough seems sticky when rolling into balls, you can lightly flour your hands or refrigerate the dough for a few more minutes to firm it up.
Serving Idea:
Pair the cookies with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their buttery, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with warm drinks.
Presentation and Garnish:
Festive Decorations: For holiday presentations, roll the cookies in colored powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate and top with crushed candy canes.
Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle extra finely chopped pecans on top for a rustic, nutty presentation.
Dust with Extra Powdered Sugar: Just before serving, lightly dust with more powdered sugar to give the cookies a fresh, snowy appearance.
By following these variations and tips, you can make delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies that are rich, nutty, and perfect for any occasion!