Pecan Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are delightful bite-sized treats that melt in your mouth. With their buttery flavor and crunchy pecans, these cookies are a festive favorite, especially during the holidays!

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

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

Timing

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

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 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.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped pecans, and salt.
2. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Form Balls: Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

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 Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar

1. Coat in Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in additional powdered sugar to coat them completely. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Final Dusting: 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 Pecan Snowball Cookies (per cookie, based on a batch of 24):

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Calories	120
Protein	1g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Add Flavors: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
• Different Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts for a different taste and texture.
• Chocolate Variation: For a twist, dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate before dusting with powdered sugar.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their rich buttery flavor and nutty crunch, these cookies are sure to delight everyone!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling into balls.

Can I use other nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds or macadamia nuts.

What can I serve with these cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.