Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. These cookies are made with finely chopped pecans and rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a snowy appearance and a rich, buttery flavor.

Ingredients

• 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

Timing

Making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, chopped pecans, and salt. Mix until well combined, forming a soft dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Form Balls: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
2. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar

1. Roll in Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
2. Cool Completely: 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.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies (per cookie, based on 24 cookies):

Tips for Customization

• Nut Variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.
• Add Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract for an additional layer of flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a fun twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Conclusion

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With their rich buttery flavor and delightful texture, they are sure to be a favorite during the holiday season and beyond!