Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delights perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty treat. These delicate cookies are rich with butter, lightly sweetened with powdered sugar, and generously studded with finely chopped pecans. Rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, they offer a crisp exterior and a tender, crumbly texture inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling the cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans gently.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place each cookie ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. Allow cookies to cool completely and roll them again in powdered sugar for a double coat of sweetness and that classic snowy appearance.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy your pecan snowball cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh for several days.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for maintaining the cookie shape during baking.
- Use finely chopped pecans for an even texture throughout the cookie.
- The double coating of powdered sugar gives the cookies their traditional 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: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
