These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are soft, tender, and full of rich nutty flavor. They practically melt in your mouth! Made with toasted pecans, butter, and powdered sugar, these cookies are a holiday favorite that never goes out of style. Rolled twice in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs — perfect for Christmas dessert tables or gifts!
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Extra powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pecans
Chop the pecans finely.
For best flavor, lightly toast them in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes, then let them cool completely.
- Make the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth.
Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
Add the flour, salt, and pecans, then mix until the dough comes together.
- Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball.
Place all the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill (Optional but recommended)
For the best shape, chill the cookie balls in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
- Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Do not overbake — they should stay pale on top.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar
While cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar.
Let them cool completely, then roll them again for the perfect snowy coating.
Enjoy!