If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious cookie to bring to the holiday table or to treat yourself with, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a perfect choice. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are buttery and packed with crunchy pecans, making them the ideal snack for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive celebration, a cozy family gathering, or just because, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies from scratch. From selecting the finest ingredients to rolling the dough into perfect little snowballs, we’ve got all the tips you need to create these sweet, nutty cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

What Are Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are small, round cookies that feature a rich, buttery flavor paired with the subtle crunch of chopped pecans. The texture is incredibly soft and delicate, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. These cookies are traditionally dusted with powdered sugar, which adds a sweet finish and makes them look like little snowballs — hence the name.

What makes these cookies truly special is their simplicity. With just a few ingredients — butter, flour, sugar, and pecans — you can create a dessert that’s rich in flavor yet light in texture. This recipe is a twist on the classic snowball cookie, which often uses walnuts or other nuts, but the pecans elevate the flavor and provide an irresistible crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies comes with several advantages:

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like butter, flour, and sugar, so you likely already have most of the ingredients on hand.
• Perfect for the Holidays: The snowy white appearance of these cookies makes them a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup, whether for Christmas, New Year’s, or any special occasion.
• Quick and Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and doesn’t require any advanced baking skills. Even beginners can successfully make these delicious cookies.
• Great for Gifting: Package these cookies in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift that anyone will appreciate.
• A Timeless Classic: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a tried-and-true recipe that never goes out of style. Their rich flavor and tender texture are loved by people of all ages.

Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

To make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

1. Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Before you start baking, make sure all your ingredients are measured out and ready to go.

2. Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Creaming the butter and sugar together is key to creating a smooth dough with the right texture. Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step will help ensure your cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Add Vanilla and Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Next, sift the flour and salt together in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed. Keep mixing until the dough begins to form. The dough may be a little crumbly at first, but that’s perfectly normal.

4. Fold in the Pecans

5. Shape the Dough Into Balls

Take about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into small balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Be sure to handle the dough gently to avoid making the cookies too flat. These cookies should retain their round shape while baking to achieve the perfect snowball look.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. These cookies don’t spread much, so they’ll retain their round shape during baking. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake — you want the centers to stay soft and tender while the edges get a little golden brown.

7. Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. You can also let them cool completely before dusting them with powdered sugar for a cleaner look. The powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and gives the cookies their signature snowball appearance.

8. Let Cool Completely

Tips for Perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the sugar. Softened butter will also give you a lighter, fluffier dough.
• Chop Pecans Finely: Finely chopped pecans will distribute evenly throughout the dough and give you a more consistent texture in each cookie. If you prefer larger chunks of nuts, feel free to leave them a bit coarser.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find that the dough is too soft to shape, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm it up. This step is optional but can help if you’re working in a warm environment.
• Flavor Variations: You can switch up the nuts and use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if you prefer. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies ahead of time. The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just let the dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Pecans?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix evenly into the dough.

How Should I Store Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?

Why Are My Cookies Too Soft or Crumbly?

If your dough is too soft or crumbly, it could be due to too much butter or not enough flour. Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately and consider chilling the dough before shaping it.

Conclusion

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, but especially during the holiday season. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, nutty flavor, and snowy appearance, these cookies will be a hit with everyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or as a gift, you can’t go wrong with this easy and delicious recipe.

Enjoy the process, have fun with the flavors, and most importantly, indulge in the delightful sweetness of these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. Happy baking!

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