Description
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats dusted generously with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a buttery, nutty cookie with a delicate texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup pecans (or walnuts), finely chopped
For Dusting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This step aerates the dough for a tender texture.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the salt and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Stir in the finely chopped pecans by hand to evenly distribute the nuts without crushing them too much.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into approximately 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to maintain the soft, crumbly texture.
- Initial Cooling and Dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; while they are still warm, gently roll each cookie in the cup of powdered sugar. This helps the sugar adhere to the warm surface for the first coating.
- Final Cooling and Dusting: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to achieve a thick, snowy coating that defines these classic snowball cookies.
- Serve: Enjoy your buttery and nutty Pecan Snowball Cookies fresh, preferably with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with additional flour or seeds.
- Chopping pecans finely ensures even distribution and a better texture without large nut pieces breaking apart the cookie.
- Using softened butter is crucial for proper creaming and cookie texture.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft inside and only lightly golden underneath.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pecan snowball cookies, butter cookies, nutty cookies, powdered sugar cookies, holiday cookies, melt-in-mouth cookies
