Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights

These buttery pecan snowball cookies are a timeless favorite, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just an afternoon treat. Their delicate crumbly texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness make them irresistible. My grandmother used to bake these every winter, and now they are a tradition in our family too.

I remember rolling these out with my kids one snowy afternoon; now it’s one of their favorite baking memories.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter softened: Ensures a rich buttery taste. Let it come to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness with a smooth melt-in-your-mouth feel. Use a little extra for dusting to enhance the overall look.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warm and aromatic depth to the cookies. Choose pure vanilla for the best flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as the base ingredient for structure. Sift if needed to avoid lumps.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the pecans. Use fine salt for even mixing.
• Finely chopped pecans: The star ingredient. Toast lightly before chopping to deepen their nutty flavor.

How To Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Preheat Your Oven:

Heat the oven to 350°F 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl blend softened butter with half a cup of powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy which ensures airy dough.

Add Vanilla:

Mix in the vanilla extract until incorporated for consistent flavor throughout.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl whisk together all-purpose flour and salt ensuring an even distribution of salt in your dough.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix slowly and evenly stop once incorporated to keep the dough tender.

Incorporate Pecans:

Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans with a spatula ensuring every bite has a touch of nuttiness.

Form the Cookies:

Use about one tablespoon of dough per cookie. Roll into smooth balls and arrange on the baking sheet leaving about two inches of space between each.

Bake the Cookies:

Place in preheated oven baking for roughly 12 to 15 minutes. Look for a light golden base while keeping the tops pale. This prevents overcooking.

Cool and Dust with Sugar:

Let cookies cool for about five minutes on the baking sheet then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled generously dust them with powdered sugar for that signature snowball look.

I love the toasted pecan flavor combined with the buttery sweet exterior reminding me of snowy winter mornings with my family.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in a cool dry place. Use an airtight container to retain their delicate texture. For freezing wrap individually in plastic wrap before placing in a container. Allow to thaw for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Ingredient Substitutions

While pecans are traditional you can experiment with walnuts or almonds. For a dairy-free option substitute butter with plant-based alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea coffee or even hot cocoa during colder months. Arrange them in gift boxes lined with parchment paper for holiday presents.

Cultural Context

These treats are also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes depending on the region. Their simplicity and taste have made them a global favorite served at celebrations and festivities.

Baking these cookies fills the house with a cozy buttery aroma that instantly puts everyone in a festive mood. Watching the powdered sugar fall like snow as we dust each cookie is a favorite moment around here.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the dough from becoming too dry?

Ensure your butter is fully softened before mixing. Gradually add the flour and mix on low speed to maintain a moist dough consistency.

→ Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Yes, finely chopped walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes for pecans. Adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

→ What’s the best way to dust the cookies with powdered sugar?

Use a fine mesh sieve to evenly dust the cookies once they’re completely cooled for a light, fluffy coating.

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make the dough in advance and bake later?

Absolutely. Form the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

→ Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking?

Chill the dough balls for 20-30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape as they bake.