Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a classic holiday treat. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rich with butter and finely chopped pecans, then rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or any time you want a sweet, nutty treat. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup + 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- 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.
- Add Vanilla and Salt:
- Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Add Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined.
- Add Pecans:
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Chill:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps to firm up the dough and makes it easier to handle.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Shape Dough:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops of the cookies should remain pale.
Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar
- First Coating:
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Second Coating:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again to ensure an even, snowy coating.
Step 6: Serve and Store
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with a hot beverage or as a sweet treat on their own. Enjoy these delightful cookies with family and friends!
- Store:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Pecans: Finely chop the pecans to ensure they are evenly distributed in the dough.
- Chilling: Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Variations
Chocolate Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Add Cocoa Powder:
- Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate version of these cookies.
Almond Snowball Cookies
- Substitute Pecans:
- Substitute finely chopped almonds for the pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Spiced Snowball Cookies
- Add Spices:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg to the flour mixture for a spiced version of these cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Beverages
- With Coffee:
- Serve with a cup of hot coffee or espresso for a delightful pairing.
- With Tea:
- Enjoy with a cup of hot tea or spiced chai for a cozy combination.
Desserts
- With Ice Cream:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- With Hot Chocolate:
- Pair with a mug of hot chocolate for a sweet and comforting dessert.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut? A: Yes, you can use other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Just make sure they are finely chopped.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Q: Can I add other flavors to these cookies? A: Yes, you can add flavors such as almond extract, lemon zest, or orange zest to the dough for a unique twist.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, buttery flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dessert is always satisfying. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious cookies with your family and friends!
