Description
Pecan Snowball Cookies are a rich, buttery treat combining a tender, crumbly dough with toasted pecans and a generous dusting of powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Perfectly balanced with nutty crunch and sweetness, these cookies are easy to make, versatile for any occasion, and beloved for their cozy flavor and nostalgic appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Butter & Sweeteners
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (divided)
- Additional powdered sugar for coating (about 1/4 cup)
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
Nuts
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter with about half of the powdered sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light, creating a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in pure vanilla extract to develop a warm, fragrant base that enhances the cookie’s flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour and salt in a separate bowl to remove lumps and ensure a smooth dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter mixture, folding gently until the dough just starts to come together. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Fold in Chopped Pecans: Lightly toast the chopped pecans to bring out their aroma, then carefully fold them into the dough for even distribution.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small walnut-sized balls and place them spaced apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake Until Set: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the cookies remain pale to preserve their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar to achieve the classic snowy coating.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter to ensure smooth mixing and a tender crumb.
- Toast pecans first to enhance their natural oils and flavor.
- Don’t overbake; cookies should stay pale for perfect texture.
- Cool cookies slightly before coating to help powdered sugar adhere without melting.
- For extra sweetness, roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar after they cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Pecan Snowball Cookies, snowball cookies, pecan cookies, holiday cookies, nutty cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies
