Heavenly Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth buttery pecan snowball cookies dance with delicate winter charm.

These classic treats carry nostalgic whispers of holiday gatherings and cozy kitchen moments.

Powdered sugar coats each tender morsel, creating a delightful snowflake-like appearance.

Pecans add a rich, nutty crunch that perfectly balances the cookie’s delicate texture.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in these irresistible little bites.

Simple to prepare and even easier to devour, these cookies bring warmth to any celebration.

One taste transports you to cherished memories of festive joy and sweet indulgence.

Best Storage Practices for Snowball Cookies

• Store cooled snowball cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after reheating to restore their classic snowy appearance.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and delicate by storing them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

FAQs

• What are pecan snowball cookies made of?

These delicate cookies are crafted with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped pecans. The key components create a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a rich, nutty flavor.

• Are pecan snowball cookies difficult to make?

Not at all! These cookies are beginner-friendly and require basic baking skills. The recipe involves simple mixing, shaping, and rolling techniques that even novice bakers can master quickly.

• Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds. Each nut will bring a unique flavor profile to the classic snowball cookie recipe.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies That Melt Away

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• Master Gourmet Techniques: Learn professional cooking methods like searing fish and creating a luxurious pan sauce without complex culinary training.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Serve a sophisticated dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, making you appear like a skilled chef.
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Key Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a smooth texture and delicious flavor to the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Offers sweetness and helps create the classic snowball cookie coating.
• Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient that gives the cookies their tender crumb.
• Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and deep, earthy flavor to the cookie dough.

• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet aromatic flavor that complements the butter and nuts.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for coating the warm and cooled cookies, creating a soft, snowy exterior.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cookie removal and prevents sticking during baking.

Baking Instructions for Perfect Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C) and get ready for some baking magic.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dough

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar

Whip until the mixture looks smooth and creamy.

• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Flour
• Chopped pecans

Mix everything until it forms a perfect, unified dough.

Step 3: Create Cookie Spheres

Roll the dough into adorable little balls, each about the size of a golf ball.

Arrange these cute spheres on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, giving them some breathing room between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into the preheated oven.

Bake for roughly 11 minutes. Keep a watchful eye – you want them lightly golden on the bottom but still pale on top.

Step 5: Sugar Coating Celebration

Let the cookies cool just enough to handle. Grab a large Ziploc bag or wide bowl filled with powdered sugar.

Drop 3-4 warm cookies at a time into the sugar, giving them a gentle shake to create a beautiful white coating. Use a fork to lift the cookies, letting excess sugar fall away.

Transfer to cooling racks.

Step 6: Final Sugar Dusting

Once the cookies have completely cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for an extra sweet, snowy finish.

Insider Tips to Nail Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

• Let cookies cool slightly before first sugar coating to help them hold together without breaking.
• Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method to ensure accurate flour measurement for perfect texture.
• Shake bag gently when coating to get an even, light dusting of powdered sugar without clumping.
• Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles while maintaining cookie's delicate structure.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating.

Flavor Variations to Personalize Snowball Cookies

• Chocolate Pecan Snowballs: Replace half the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version. Sprinkle extra cocoa powder over the final coating for deeper flavor.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Snowballs: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-safe treats.
• Almond Snowball Cookies: Substitute pecans with sliced almonds and add almond extract instead of vanilla. Coat with a mix of powdered sugar and ground almonds for extra crunch.
• Vegan Coconut Snowballs: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with ground flaxseed, and add shredded coconut to the dough. Roll in coconut flakes for a tropical touch.

Pairing Suggestions to Enhance Snowball Cookie Enjoyment

• Pair with Rich Coffee Companions: Indulge these delicate snowball cookies with a smooth espresso or creamy cappuccino that highlights their buttery pecan essence.
• Complement with Sweet Dessert Wines: Select a luscious late harvest Riesling or sweet Moscato that matches the cookie's powdery sweetness and nutty undertones.
• Enhance with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a fragrant chai tea with hints of cinnamon and cardamom to create a harmonious flavor connection with the pecan's warm, toasted notes.
• Match with Vanilla-Infused Beverages: Enjoy alongside a velvety vanilla latte or smooth vanilla bean hot chocolate that echoes the cookie's delicate vanilla undertones.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Pecan snowball cookies drift like delicate winter whispers, melting with rich, nutty charm. Powdered sugar clouds envelop these classic holiday treats, promising a sweet escape you’ll savor with each tender, crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup butter (softened)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating:

• 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
2. In a stand mixer, whip butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, creating a light base for the cookies.
3. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually incorporate salt, vanilla extract, flour, and finely chopped pecans, mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated and form a cohesive dough.
4. Gently form the dough into compact 1-inch spheres, placing them with ample spacing on parchment-lined baking sheets.
5. Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 11 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve a delicate golden-brown bottom without overcooking the tops.
6. After removing from the oven, allow cookies to cool momentarily while preparing a large container filled with powdered sugar for coating.
7. Carefully transfer 3-4 warm cookies at a time into the powdered sugar, gently rotating to ensure complete coverage, then extract with a fork, shaking off excess sugar.
8. Place the sugar-dusted cookies on cooling racks, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
9. Once cooled, perform a final roll in powdered sugar to create an additional layer of sweet, delicate coverage, enhancing both appearance and taste.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smoother mixing and easier dough formation.
• Use finely chopped pecans to prevent cookie crumbling and create uniform texture throughout.
• Allow cookies to cool slightly before first sugar coating to help powdered sugar adhere better without melting.
• Try different nuts like almonds or walnuts for unique flavor variations while maintaining classic snowball cookie structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg