If you have a soft spot for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that carry a delicate nutty crunch, then you absolutely must try the Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delightful little bites bring together the subtle richness of buttery dough with the warm, toasty flavor of pecans, all lovingly coated in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings, gifting to friends, or just treating yourself with a cup of tea, these cookies are charmingly simple yet irresistibly delicious. Once you make them, you’ll want to reach for this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe plays a crucial role, keeping the cookie perfectly tender, flavorful, and beautifully textured. These simple staples combine to create a cookie experience that is both comforting and elegant in every bite.
- 1 cup butter (softened): Provides the rich, creamy base that ensures a soft and buttery texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the nutty notes.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and the delicate crumb that melts on your tongue.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted): Incorporated inside the dough for subtle sweetness and tenderness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: The star crunch that adds a wonderful texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted): For rolling the cookies in a final snowy coating that’s signature to this recipe.
How to Make Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Get Ready
Before diving into mixing, gather all your ingredients and get your workspace ready. The pecan snowball cookies need a short chill in the freezer before baking, so you’ll preheat the oven a little later once the dough balls are set. This prep step helps keep everything smooth and tasty!
Step 2: Cream the Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. This base is what makes your cookies perfectly tender and flavorful, so take a moment to get it just right. Using an electric mixer here makes all the difference for that luscious texture.
Step 3: Add Flour and Sugar
Now, gently incorporate the all-purpose flour and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into your butter mixture. Mixing just until combined ensures your cookies stay tender and crumbly rather than tough. The powdered sugar inside the dough gives an extra level of softness you’ll notice in every bite.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Here’s where the magic begins. Stir in the chopped pecans on low speed until just blended. These nuts bring a nutty crunch that complements the smooth dough perfectly. If you prefer, mini chocolate chips can be a delicious alternative, but the pecans make these cookies uniquely special.
Step 5: Shape and Chill the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Pop these into the freezer for 10 minutes. Chilling firm ups the dough so your cookies hold their delicate shape and bake evenly without spreading too much.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding—just one sheet at a time so the bottoms don’t melt away. They’ll bake for about 10-15 minutes until their edges turn just lightly golden, signaling that perfect tender crunch inside.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes after removing them from the oven. Then, roll each warm cookie in the sifted powdered sugar—this is the signature look of pecan snowball cookies, coating each one in a sweet, snowy layer. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Re-roll and Serve
Before serving, roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar once more for that picture-perfect snowy coat. Now they’re ready to enjoy fresh, or you can pop them in airtight tins where they’ll stay delightful for up to a week. Sharing these brings instant smiles, trust me!
How to Serve Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Pecan snowball cookies are charming on their own, but a gentle dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving adds a festive touch. You can also sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted pecans over the plate to enhance that nutty aroma and add a little extra crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, providing a buttery balance to your favorite warm beverage. For a special treat, serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a bowl of rich hot chocolate—both elevate this cookie to dessert star status.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap these pecan snowball cookies in decorative cellophane tied with a rustic ribbon for delightful gifts. You can also arrange them on a festive platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a holiday centerpiece that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pecan snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered between sheets of parchment paper to avoid sticking. They’ll stay fresh and tender for about five to seven days, making it easy to enjoy this treat through the week.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the shaped dough balls before baking. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months — just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To refresh your pecan snowball cookies, warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This step revives their buttery aroma and soft texture, making each bite feel freshly baked. Avoid microwaving, which can make the cookies soggy or too soft.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully and provide a similar crunch and flavor. Just chop them finely so they blend well in the dough without overpowering the delicate cookie texture.
What is the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough balls in the freezer before baking is key. This step firms up the butter and dough so the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread excessively during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a equal amount of a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be mindful of slight changes in texture and baking time—you may need to adjust the dough consistency accordingly.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar twice?
This double rolling ensures an even, thick coating of powdered sugar that gives the cookies their signature snowball appearance and adds a pleasant, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness with each bite.
How long do pecan snowball cookies last when stored properly?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best option to maintain their wonderful texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about the Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe—each cookie feels like a little hug of buttery, nutty goodness wrapped in snowy sweetness. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gift-giving, or just craving a cozy treat, this recipe is a timeless winner. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and make these delicious pecan snowballs today—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2.2 dozen (approximately 26 cookies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully buttery and crisp, Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats dusted generously with powdered sugar. They feature a rich, nutty flavor from chopped pecans and are perfect for holiday baking or any cozy occasion. These classic cookies have a crumbly texture that holds their shape well and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted if clumped together)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (OR mini chocolate chips OR leave out)
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted if clumped together)
Instructions
- Prep: Prepare to shape the cookies and chill them in the freezer. The oven will be preheated later to 350°F, so gather your ingredients and line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- Cream butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy to ensure a well-aerated dough.
- Add flour and sugar: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until fully incorporated. This creates the base texture of the cookie dough.
- Add pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans (or mini chocolate chips if preferred) on low mixer speed until evenly distributed throughout the dough without overmixing.
- Shape cookies and chill: Roll the dough into 1 tablespoon-sized balls and place them evenly spaced on lined baking sheets. Freeze the shaped balls for 10 minutes to help maintain shape during baking.
- Bake: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cookies in batches, placing only one baking sheet in the oven at a time to prevent melting or spreading. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cookies are just lightly golden at the edges.
- Roll in powdered sugar: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes post-baking. Place the powdered sugar in a medium bowl and gently roll each warm cookie in the sugar to coat them thoroughly, then transfer to a cooling rack to set completely.
- Re-roll and serve: Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for an extra snowy coating. Serve immediately or store in airtight cookie tins for 5 to 7 days, maintaining freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Freezing the dough balls before baking helps them keep their shape and prevents spreading.
- Using chopped pecans adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor; alternatively, mini chocolate chips can be used or omitted for a nut-free version.
- Rolling cookies twice in powdered sugar enhances their classic snowball appearance and sweetness.
- Store cookies in airtight containers at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Ensure powdered sugar is sifted to avoid clumps and achieve even coating.
