Description
Pecan Snowball Cookies are classic holiday favorites known for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate coating of powdered sugar. Packed with finely chopped pecans and rich vanilla flavor, these tender cookies crumble softly with every bite — just like a snowball! They’re incredibly simple to make, require no fancy ingredients, and are perfect for Christmas gatherings, gift boxes, or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookies
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes (this helps them hold their shape).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden (the tops will stay pale).
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat in Sugar
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely, then roll again for a thick, snowy coating.
Tips
For extra flavor, toast the pecans before chopping.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
These cookies freeze beautifully!