Description
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats dusted generously with confectioners’ sugar. These classic cookies feature a crisp exterior and a tender, nutty interior thanks to finely chopped pecans. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, they require a simple chilling step to develop their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Coating
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Liquids: Mix in the water and vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse flavor throughout the dough.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed just until all ingredients are combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to avoid unmixed flour.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans evenly distributing the nuts throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up the dough, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on an ungreased baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden, ensuring a crisp texture without overbaking.
- Initial Coating: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. While still warm, carefully roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar for the first coating.
- Final Coating: Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a generous, snowy finish to complete the classic look and taste.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is fully softened to ease mixing and achieve a smooth dough.
- Chilling the dough is essential; it prevents spreading and enhances the texture.
- Use finely chopped pecans for the best texture; coarsely chopped nuts might make shaping difficult.
- Double coating with confectioners’ sugar gives the signature snowball appearance and extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
