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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, crumbly cookies packed with toasted pecans and coated in powdered sugar. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with rich nutty flavor makes them a perfect cozy treat for holidays, gatherings, or everyday indulgence. Simple to make with basic ingredients, these cookies deliver warmth, sweetness, and a delightful crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. Remove and let cool.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy, creating a soft, tender base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Add vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt, combining gently until just mixed to avoid overworking the dough.
  4. Fold in Toasted Pecans: Gently fold the toasted pecans into the dough, ensuring even distribution without crushing the nuts.
  5. Shape and Bake the Cookies: Form dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
  6. Coat with Powdered Sugar: While cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar for the first coating. Once completely cool, dust again to create the classic snowball finish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for smooth creaming and tender crumb.
  • Do not overmix the dough to maintain a delicate, crumbly texture.
  • Double coating with powdered sugar creates the signature snowy look and sweet flavor.
  • Keep an eye on pecans while toasting to avoid burning.
  • For best results, chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan snowball cookies, buttery cookies, holiday cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, nutty cookies, easy cookie recipe