Oh, let me tell you about buttery pecan snowball cookies! These little gems are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treats that just scream comfort and joy. I can still remember the first time I made them with my grandma during the holidays. The kitchen filled with the sweet scent of butter and toasted pecans, and we’d sneak bites when we thought no one was watching! The best part? When they come out of the oven, they’re so tender that they practically dissolve in your mouth. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a holiday staple in your house too!
Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
To whip up these delightful buttery pecan snowball cookies, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the star of the show, giving the cookies their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and helps achieve that lovely, soft consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the cookie’s flavor and adds a warm aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base that holds everything together, creating that perfect crumb.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the buttery goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and elevate the flavors.
- Additional powdered sugar for coating: This is what gives our cookies that snowy finish, making them look oh-so-tempting!
How to Prepare Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Making buttery pecan snowball cookies is as easy as pie, and trust me, the results are so worth it! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of heavenly cookies in no time. So, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for that perfect bake!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Make sure it’s nice and smooth—this will take about 2-3 minutes. You want it fluffy!
- Add vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until well incorporated. Ah, that smell is divine!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans until well combined. This step helps ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—just until you see no more flour!
- Shape the cookies: Now, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space in between. You should aim for about 24 cookies.
- Bake: Pop them into the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can make them less tender!
- Cool and coat: Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This step is key for that snowy finish!
And voila! Your buttery pecan snowball cookies are ready to be devoured. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, and watch them disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to make: These buttery pecan snowball cookies come together in just about 35 minutes, so you can whip them up in no time!
- Perfect for holidays: With their charming snowy appearance, they’re an ideal treat for holiday gatherings or cozy family get-togethers.
- Great texture: Each bite melts in your mouth, thanks to the buttery base and finely chopped pecans that add a delightful crunch.
- Delicious flavor: The combination of rich butter, sweet powdered sugar, and nutty pecans creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies with different nuts or flavorings to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
To ensure your buttery pecan snowball cookies turn out perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, as this will give you that fluffy texture. I recommend letting it sit at room temperature for about an hour. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—this prevents the cookies from being too dense. Also, don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft; just pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Lastly, while rolling in powdered sugar, do it while they’re still warm for that beautiful coating to stick! Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
These buttery pecan snowball cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds; they’re also packed with some interesting numbers! Each cookie has approximately 120 calories, with 8 grams of fat (including 5 grams of saturated fat), 2 grams of protein, and 12 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 4 grams of sugar and 50 mg of sodium in each delightful bite. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so don’t stress too much about the numbers—just enjoy every melt-in-your-mouth moment!
Serving Suggestions
These buttery pecan snowball cookies are so versatile, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a fragrant chai tea—such a cozy combo! They’re also perfect for festive occasions, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a casual afternoon tea with friends, or a sweet addition to a dessert platter. You can even package them up in a pretty box as a thoughtful gift for a neighbor or loved one. Trust me, they’ll be a hit no matter when or how you serve them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your buttery pecan snowball cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Just layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. No reheating is necessary—just let them come to room temperature and they’ll be good as new!
FAQ About Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
I know you might have a few questions about these delightful buttery pecan snowball cookies, so let’s dive right in!
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can easily swap them out for walnuts or almonds if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to chop them finely to keep that lovely texture.
How do I make them gluten-free?
No problem! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for the right texture. They’ll be just as delicious!
What’s the best way to store them?
The best way to keep your buttery pecan snowball cookies fresh is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain that snowy finish, separate layers with parchment paper. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for making in advance. Just bake them, roll in powdered sugar, and store them. They’ll still taste incredible when you’re ready to serve!
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: 7 Melting Moments of Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery pecan snowball cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats rolled in powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pecans.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: buttery pecan snowball cookies
