There’s something heartwarming about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen, and my favorite has to be Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. I remember the first time I baked these delightful treats; they were intended for a cozy gathering with friends, but I found myself indulging before they even made it to the dessert table.
Each bite is a symphony of buttery goodness, with the crunch of pecans adding a perfect contrast. These cookies are not only simple to make—taking just 25 minutes from start to finish—but they also bring a festive touch to any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration or a simple afternoon tea.
Imagine surprise guests arriving as you pull these little gems from the oven, and your home is filled with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Grab your mixing bowl and let’s whisk up some joy together with my Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies!
Why You'll Love This Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- The rich, buttery flavor paired with the delightful crunch of pecans creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will adore.
- Their charming appearance, dusted with powdered sugar, makes them a visually appealing addition to any dessert table.
- Plus, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers, ensuring they will become a crowd-pleaser in no time.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Ingredients
• Whip up these delightful Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with ease by gathering the following ingredients.
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – softened to room temperature for a creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar – light and fluffy for a sweet touch that easily blends in.
- Salt – just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract – adds a lovely aroma and rich flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour – this forms the base of your delightful cookies.
- Pecans – finely chopped for that perfect nutty crunch.
For Dusting
- Powdered sugar – for rolling, this gives the cookies their signature snowy finish!
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!
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Cream the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar in a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes. You’ll want the mixture to be light and fluffy—a sign of good mixing!
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Mix in the salt and vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour at low speed until everything is just combined. Then, fold in the finely chopped pecans gently by hand for that irresistible crunch.
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Scoop dough using a 1-tablespoon measure, and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space in between each cookie to allow for some spreading.
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Bake for about 8–10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking; you want them soft and tender!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This helps to create that delightful sweet coating.
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Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, give them another light roll in powdered sugar for that classic snowball look.
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Serve and enjoy your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with family and friends, or savor them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Optional: Sprinkle with extra chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture.
Fridge: If you want to extend their freshness, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their softness and buttery flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before rolling it into balls and baking as directed. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just be sure to roll them in powdered sugar right before serving to maintain their snowy appearance and delightful taste. Enjoy less stress and more time to relax with these delightful treats!
What to Serve with Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?
Imagine a warm afternoon where the sweet aroma of cookies fills your home, inviting loved ones to gather and savor the moment.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy sweetness of hot chocolate, with its velvety texture, pairs wonderfully with the cookies’ buttery crunch. It’s a cozy combo that warms the soul.
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Fresh Berries: A vibrant mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring a tart contrast. Their juiciness enhances the softness of the cookies while adding a fresh element to each bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your cookies. The cold, smooth texture perfectly complements the cookies’ melt-in-your-mouth quality.
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Coffee or Espresso: Enjoying rich coffee or a bold espresso brings out the nutty flavors in the cookies. It’s a delightful pairing, perfect for a relaxing afternoon treat.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies offers a sweet and gooey touch. The buttery pecan flavors dance with the caramel’s richness, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
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Spiced Chai Tea: A fragrant spiced chai adds warmth and depth, harmonizing beautifully with the cookies. The spices create a comforting aura that’s just perfect for sharing.
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Lemon Bars: The tangy zest of lemon bars contrasts wonderfully with the cookies’ sweetness. This vibrant dessert duo brings out the best in each other, making for a delightful dessert spread.
Whether you’re planning a casual get-together or simply treating yourself, these pairings elevate your experience with Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies to new heights!
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cookies and make them truly yours!
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Nut-Free: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that’s still delicious and satisfying.
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Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a delightful vegan twist.
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Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet chocolate surprise with each bite.
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Spiced: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm spice that enhances the buttery flavor.
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Coconut: Mix in ¾ cup of shredded coconut with the dough to elevate the sweetness and add a fun chewy texture.
The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility; don’t hesitate to experiment and find what makes your heart sing!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect texture in your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to ensure easy creaming with the sugar.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough after adding flour; mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- When rolling the dough into balls, make sure to space them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading as they bake.
- Keep a close eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when the bottoms are lightly golden to avoid overbaking and maintain their softness.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pecans for my Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! When picking pecans, look for those that are fresh and have a pleasant, nutty aroma. Avoid any with dark spots or an off smell, as these indicate spoilage. If you can, choose pecans that are unshelled; you’ll often get better quality this way!
How should I store my Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies for freshness?
Very good question! Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them warm to room temperature before indulging for the best texture!
Can I freeze Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, and how do I do it?
Sure thing! To freeze, wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight, then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes—just enough to bring back that delightful softness!
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If you find your dough isn’t coming together smoothly, don’t worry! Add a teaspoon of softened butter or a dash of cold water to help bind it. Mixing in small increments will allow you to achieve that perfect dough consistency without compromising the cookie texture!
Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
Unfortunately not! Since these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies contain pecans, they’re not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. However, you can substitute chopped sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain that delightful crunch without the nuts. Always consult with your guests beforehand for their dietary restrictions.
How long do I need to let the cookies cool before rolling in powdered sugar?
After baking, allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This helps create that sweet coating while they’re still warm, ensuring it sticks nicely for a beautiful, snowy finish!
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ½ cup Powdered sugar light and fluffy
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt for flavor enhancement
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract for aroma and flavor
- 2 cups All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookies
- 1 cup Pecans finely chopped
For Dusting
- ½ cup Powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the salt and vanilla extract, then gradually add the all-purpose flour at low speed until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans gently by hand.
- Scoop the dough using a 1-tablespoon measure and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets with about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for about 8–10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, roll them again in powdered sugar.
- Serve and enjoy your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies!
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