Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats featuring finely chopped pecans coated in powdered sugar. These classic, festive cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a deliciously nutty and sweet bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually incorporate the 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ tsp salt until the dough just comes together. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans to distribute them evenly.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, making sure they are uniform in size for consistent baking. Place the balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to avoid them sticking together as they bake.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat. Transfer them to a wire rack and let cool completely. Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time to create a thicker, snowy coating that defines this classic cookie.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best dough texture.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates the signature snowball effect.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Chilling the dough before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
