Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: 6 Melting Moments to Savor

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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats rolled in powdered sugar. These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, sweetening up afternoon tea, or simply indulging yourself. The combination of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans makes them a favorite among cookie lovers. As you take a bite, you’ll experience the tender texture and nutty flavor that will leave you craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these buttery pecan cookies. First, they are incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. Second, their melt-in-your-mouth texture will have you reaching for seconds. These cookies also feature finely chopped pecans, adding a delightful crunch that enhances their flavor. If you love traditional snowball cookies with nuts, this recipe will not disappoint. Plus, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts. The best part? You can easily customize them for different occasions!

Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gradually add the flour, chopped pecans, and salt. Mix until well combined, forming a soft dough.
Step 5: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 8: While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Step 9: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy appearance.

Pro Tips for the Best Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen.
For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan powdered sugar.
Experiment with different nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a unique twist.

Best Ways to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

These cookies are incredibly versatile! Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make fantastic holiday treats, perfect for gift-giving. You can even stack them in a jar for a sweet presentation. Pair them with other nutty butter cookies for a delightful dessert platter.

Delicious buttery pecan snowball cookies dusted with powdered sugar

How to Store and Reheat Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week in this manner. For meal prep, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply shape the balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?

The key to perfect pecan snowball cookies lies in not overmixing the dough after adding the flour. This helps maintain a tender texture. Also, be sure to use softened butter for a creamy consistency that enhances the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Can I make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These easy buttery snowball cookies can be made ahead of time. You can freeze the dough or store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. Just add a little extra powdered sugar before serving for that classic snowball look!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?

Common mistakes include using cold butter or overbaking the cookies. Make sure to let the butter soften at room temperature. Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be pale on top but lightly golden on the bottom.

Variations of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies You Can Try

Get creative with these variations!

Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist on the classic.
Swap pecans for finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal flair.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Ingredients for buttery pecan snowball cookies including butter, flour, and pecans

For more delicious cookie recipes, check out Sugar Plum Shortbread Cookies or Minty Snowball Cookies. If you’re looking for a festive dessert, Cranberry Custard Pie is a great choice!