Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these pecan snowball cookies! They are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat that I just can’t get enough of. Every time I take a bite, it’s like a little piece of heaven! I remember the first time I made them for a holiday gathering; everyone went absolutely wild for them. The buttery, nutty flavor paired with the sweet powdered sugar coating is just so delightful. Trust me, these pecan snowball cookies will become your go-to dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration!

Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the star of the show that gives the cookies their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – We use this to sweeten the dough and later to roll the cookies for that lovely, snowy finish.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – A splash of this adds a warm, aromatic touch that complements the pecans beautifully.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base that holds everything together, creating the perfect crumb.
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans – These little gems provide that delightful crunch and nutty flavor that make these cookies so special.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling – This is what makes them look like little snowballs—sweet and festive!

How to Prepare Pecan Snowball Cookies

Making these pecan snowball cookies is easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process! Just follow along, and let’s create some magical little treats that’ll have everyone asking for more!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the cookies a warm welcome as they bake!
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which makes the cookies tender!
3. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. Oh, the aroma is just heavenly!
4. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until just combined; you don’t want to overwork the dough, or the cookies might turn out tough!
5. Now, fold in those finely chopped pecans. This is where the magic happens! The crunch from the pecans is what makes these cookies so special.
6. Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space to spread out as they bake.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they’re lightly golden on the bottom. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to stay soft!
8. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, roll them in powdered sugar for that gorgeous snowy finish.
9. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because it helps them set and get to that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, so you can whip them up in no time!
• Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or just because!
• They look stunning on any dessert table with their snowy powdered sugar coating.
• These cookies are fun to make with kids or friends—everyone loves rolling them in sugar!
• They store well, so you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!).

Tips for Success

To ensure your pecan snowball cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will make all the difference. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will elevate your cookie game!

• Use room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps it cream better with the sugar, creating that light and fluffy texture we all love.
• Don’t overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be melt-in-your-mouth, right?
• Chop pecans finely: The finer you chop your pecans, the better they’ll incorporate into the dough, giving you that delightful crunch without overwhelming the cookie.
• Cool on the baking sheet: Letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them hold their shape and finish baking.
• Roll in sugar while warm: For that perfect snowy finish, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This allows the sugar to stick better and creates that beautiful coating!
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to mix it up! A dash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a lovely twist to your classic snowball cookies.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best pecan snowball cookies ever! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful pecan snowball cookies, it’s always good to have a sense of the nutritional content! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per cookie, based on standard ingredient brands:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations. But hey, who’s counting when you’re indulging in something as delicious as these cookies? Enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve got a batch of these amazing pecan snowball cookies, let’s talk about how to keep them fresh and delicious! Storing them properly is key to maintaining that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

First off, make sure to let the cookies cool completely before you store them. Place them in an airtight container; this will keep them from drying out and help retain their lovely softness. If you’re like me and can’t resist snacking, it’s best to layer them with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking.

You can store these cookies at room temperature for up to a week. Trust me, they won’t last that long—they’re just too good! If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the freezer. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat—just let them warm up a bit, and they’ll be as delightful as the day you made them! If you prefer a little warmth, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might lose that lovely texture!

Variations

If you’re feeling a little adventurous or just want to switch things up, I’ve got some fantastic ideas to jazz up your pecan snowball cookies! These variations are super fun and can bring a new twist to this classic treat.

• Walnut Snowballs: Swap out the pecans for finely chopped walnuts. They’ll give your cookies a different texture and flavor that’s just as delicious.
• Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful surprise in every bite. The combination of chocolate and nuts is simply irresistible!
• Coconut Bliss: Mix in some sweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a chewy texture and pairs beautifully with the buttery flavor.
• Maple Pecan: Replace the vanilla extract with pure maple syrup for a warm, sweet flavor that complements the pecans perfectly. You can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth!
• Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free option, simply leave out the nuts and add in some dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a chewy contrast to the cookie’s texture.
• Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a delightful warmth that makes these cookies perfect for the holidays.

These variations are a great way to personalize your pecan snowball cookies and make them your own. So don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen—your taste buds will thank you!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making these fabulous pecan snowball cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my best answers to help you bake with confidence.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans are my favorite, you can easily swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well into the dough!

How do I store leftover cookies?

To keep your pecan snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week. If you want to save them longer, you can freeze them—just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it soften a bit at room temperature before shaping and baking the cookies.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much?

If you find that your cookies are spreading too much while baking, it could be due to the butter being too soft or warm. Make sure to chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape better in the oven!

Can I add flavors to the dough?

Definitely! A splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor of your pecan snowball cookies. Just be careful not to overdo it—sometimes a little goes a long way!

Pecan Snowball Cookies: 7 Heavenly Tips for Perfection

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious pecan snowball cookies that melt in your mouth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
9. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.
10. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• These cookies can be made ahead of time.
• Experiment with other nuts if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pecan snowball cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipes