BUTTERY PECAN SNOWBALL COOKIES

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Introduction:

Nothing quite says “holiday season” like a batch of freshly baked snowball cookies. These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the richness of butter, the crunch of finely chopped pecans, and the sweetness of powdered sugar.

Perfect for festive gatherings, these cookies are simple to make and absolutely irresistible. With their delicate, crumbly texture and the powdered sugar coating that mimics a winter snowstorm, they make for a charming addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Whether you’re baking them for Christmas, a family get-together, or simply as a sweet indulgence, these cookies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.

Read on for a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and instructions to make these delicious treats, along with some helpful tips to ensure your snowball cookies are perfection every time!

Ingredients

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

2 ¼ cups All-purpose flour: This is the main dry ingredient that provides the structure for the cookies.

It creates the base for the dough, making the cookies delicate yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.

½ cup Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar, adds sweetness and helps create the soft, crumbly texture typical of snowball cookies.

Pinch of salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavors of the butter and pecans in the cookies.

2 Sticks of butter (at room temperature): Butter is essential for creating the rich, tender crumb that snowball cookies are known for. It helps bind the dough and gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2 tsp Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the buttery richness of the dough.

1 cup Pecans (finely chopped): The pecans bring a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor to the cookies.

Finely chopping them ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating a consistent texture in each bite.

1 cup Powdered sugar (for rolling): This additional powdered sugar is used to coat the cookies once they come out of the oven, giving them that signature snowball appearance.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 sticks of butter and ½ cup powdered sugar.

Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures the cookies will have a light and airy texture.

Add the Dry Ingredients: Add 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and 2 tsp vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Incorporate the Pecans: Stir in 1 cup of finely chopped pecans. The nuts should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Form the Dough into Balls: Using your hands, scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 36 balls.

If you prefer smaller or larger cookies, you can adjust the size, but 36 is a good standard for evenly-sized snowball cookies.

Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. It’s important to let them cool before handling them to prevent them from crumbling.

Coat with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled to room temperature, place 1 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.

Gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar to coat it thoroughly, giving it the signature “snowball” look.

Tips for the Perfect Snowball Cookies

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies turn out just right:

Room Temperature Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature before mixing it. This helps it blend smoothly with the powdered sugar, ensuring a creamy dough that will bake evenly.

Finely Chop the Pecans: Chopping the pecans finely allows them to distribute evenly throughout the dough, giving each bite a little bit of nutty crunch.

If you like your cookies with a more substantial pecan presence, you can leave the nuts in slightly larger pieces, but finely chopped is the traditional way.

Don’t Overbake: Snowball cookies are meant to be delicate and crumbly, not hard or crunchy. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbaking. Once the edges start to turn light golden brown, they’re done.

Chill the Dough (Optional): If you find the dough too soft to handle, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into balls without the dough sticking to your hands.

Flavor Variations: While pecans are the classic choice, you can try other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. You can also add a little bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a seasonal twist.

Storage

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or preparing ahead of time.

At Room Temperature: Once the cookies have cooled and been coated with powdered sugar, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing: To store for longer, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours.

Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again for a fresh look.

Serving Suggestions

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with a few creative touches:

With a Hot Drink: Pair these cookies with a hot beverage like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Their rich, buttery flavor complements the warmth of your drink, making for a cozy treat.

For a Holiday Cookie Platter: These cookies are perfect for adding to your holiday cookie platter. Combine them with other classics like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or chocolate chip cookies to create a delightful variety.

Gift Giving: Pack these cookies in a decorative tin or jar to give as a thoughtful homemade gift. They make for a sweet present during the holiday season, birthdays, or special occasions.

Conclusion

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a must-try for any cookie lover, especially during the holiday season.

Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, combined with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans and the sweetness of powdered sugar, makes them the perfect treat for any occasion.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can bake up a batch of these cookies in no time.

Whether you’re enjoying them with family, sharing them with friends, or gifting them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to these irresistible snowball cookies!