If you’ve ever craved a cookie that melts in your mouth like a snowflake on your tongue, you’re in for a real treat with this Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe. These little spheres of joy combine a rich, buttery base with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a perfect dusting of powdered sugar that looks like fresh snowfall. Whether for holiday gatherings, a cozy afternoon with tea, or just because you deserve a sweet moment, these cookies deliver comfort and elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to whip up these charming cookies. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the butter ensures tenderness, powdered sugar brings sweetness and dusting magic, salt balances the flavors, vanilla adds warmth, flour builds the structure, and pecans contribute delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the dough, giving richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create the delicate crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a comforting, aromatic depth every cookie needs.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without making the cookies tough.
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped: For that irresistible nutty crunch in each bite.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting): The finishing touch that gives these cookies their signature snowy look.
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze too.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with the powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, key for that tender, delicate texture that defines these snowball cookies.
Step 3: Mix in Flavor and Flour
Add the salt and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, then gradually mix in the flour at low speed until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and make your cookies tough, so stop when the dough forms. Fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets; this spacing will give them room to bake without merging into one another.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bottoms turn just lightly golden. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking, which can dry out these tender treats.
Step 6: First Dusting
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar. This first coating allows the sugar to stick beautifully, building that iconic snowball appearance.
Step 7: Cool and Double Dust
Transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, give them another roll in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating that’s both pretty and delicious.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Serve these irresistible cookies with pride, and watch how quickly they disappear! Their buttery richness, nutty crunch, and snowy sweetness make them perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar coating is stunning on its own, you can add a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans on top just after the second dusting for extra texture and a rustic look. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate also adds a festive touch without overpowering the cookie’s delicate flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even a frothy cappuccino. For a holiday or brunch spread, serve them alongside a bowl of fresh berries or a delicate fruit compote to balance the buttery sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming gift, stack these pecan snowballs in a clear jar tied with a festive ribbon. You can also serve them on a tiered dessert stand during parties, where their snowy look fits perfectly into winter or holiday-themed spreads. Nestling them in decorative cupcake liners adds a whimsical, homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to one week, making them perfect for early holiday baking or keeping a sweet stash on hand.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When wrapped well, they can stay frozen for up to three months without losing their delicate texture.
Reheating
Since these snowball cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, just let them thaw on the counter if frozen. To freshen them up, you can warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for 3 to 4 minutes, but be careful not to melt the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts make a lovely substitute with a slightly different nuttiness but similar texture. Just chop them finely as you would the pecans to ensure even distribution.
Why do I need to dust the cookies twice with powdered sugar?
The first dusting while warm allows the sugar to stick and melt slightly, creating a smooth base layer. The second coating after cooling ensures a thick, snowy finish that really brings out the signature look and sweetness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend you like, you can make these snowballs gluten-free. Just make sure your flour blend includes binding agents so the cookies hold together well.
How do I keep the cookies from crumbling when I roll them in powdered sugar?
Rolling the cookies gently while still warm helps because they’re slightly soft, making it easier for the sugar to coat without breaking. After cooling, the cookies set firm enough for the second more thorough dusting.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes! They freeze very well once baked and sugar-coated. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste as fresh as day one.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe — how simple ingredients come together to create something elegant, comforting, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to fill your kitchen with warmth, sweetness, and the joyful anticipation of sharing a timeless treat. Go ahead, bake a batch and enjoy the magic of these buttery, nutty snowballs yourself!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty cookie. These crisp, buttery rounds are loaded with finely chopped pecans and generously coated with powdered sugar for a snowy appearance and a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
For Dusting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add the ¼ teaspoon salt and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Gradually add the 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour at low speed until just combined. Then gently fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand to evenly distribute without overmixing.
- Shape cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, portion the dough and roll each into a 1-inch ball. Place balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms just turn lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies are meant to be tender and crumbly.
- Initial cooling and dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in 1 cup powdered sugar to start the signature snowball coating.
- Final cooling and dusting: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to achieve a thick, snowy coating for a beautiful presentation and rich sweetness.
- Serve: Enjoy these classic, buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with tea or coffee, perfect for holiday treats or everyday indulgence.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming.
- Finely chopping pecans helps to evenly distribute their flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives the iconic snowball appearance and adds sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
