Oh, let me tell you about pecan snowball cookies! These delightful little treats are the epitome of buttery, nutty goodness, and they’re just perfect for the holidays. Imagine biting into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, dusted with powdered sugar that falls like fresh snow—yum! This recipe is a cherished family favorite that brings so much joy and warmth to our gatherings. Every batch feels like a hug from the oven, and trust me, they vanish quickly! Whether you’re whipping them up for a festive party or just because, these pecan snowball cookies will surely steal the show.
Ingredients List
- 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 rolling
How to Prepare Pecan Snowball Cookies
Making pecan snowball cookies is a breeze, and I promise you’ll be smitten by the end! First off, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—oh, the smell of butter! Then, add in that lovely vanilla extract and mix it again until everything’s combined.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter mixture, stirring gently until it all comes together. You’ll want to fold in the finely chopped pecans at this point; they add that delightful crunch! Now, take a tablespoon and shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Line them up on a baking sheet, giving them a bit of space to spread.
Now, it’s time to bake! Pop them in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, just until they’re lightly golden. Once they’re out, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. Here comes the fun part: roll those warm cookies in additional powdered sugar. It’s like giving them a cozy blanket of sweetness! Allow them to cool completely before serving, and watch them disappear!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to make with just a few ingredients—perfect for novice bakers!
- Buttery and nutty flavor that melts in your mouth—what’s not to love?
- A beautiful presentation with that snowy dusting of powdered sugar.
- Great for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or as a sweet homemade gift.
- These cookies freeze wonderfully, so you can enjoy them any time!
- They’re a nostalgic reminder of family traditions and cozy celebrations.
Tips for Success
To make your pecan snowball cookies truly shine, here are some handy tips! First off, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create that wonderfully fluffy texture. If you want a richer taste, you can swap out half of the all-purpose flour for finely ground almond flour—trust me, it adds an amazing depth of flavor!
Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to over-bake. They should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft in the center. Once you roll them in powdered sugar, do it while they’re still warm for the best coating! And don’t forget, these cookies store beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to two months—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
These delightful pecan snowball cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds, but they also come with some nutritional insights! Each cookie contains approximately 100 calories, with 7 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat. You’ll also find about 1 gram of protein and 10 grams of carbohydrates per cookie, along with 5 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy these sweet bites guilt-free during the holidays!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts for these cookies? Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds can also work beautifully. Just chop them finely for that same delightful crunch.
How do I store pecan snowball cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Why did my cookies spread too much? If your cookies spread too much, it could be that your butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking next time.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough? Definitely! Adding chocolate chips can give these pecan snowball cookies an extra layer of flavor. Just fold in about 1/2 cup along with the pecans.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your pecan snowball cookies is super simple! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, go ahead and freeze them! Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, there’s no need to reheat—just let them thaw at room temperature. However, if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Pecan Snowball Cookies: 5 Steps to Heavenly Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan snowball cookies are buttery, nutty 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 rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Adjust the amount of pecans to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pecan snowball cookies, holiday cookies, nut cookies
