During the holiday season, the air is filled with the sweet aroma of baking, and one cookie that stands out among the rest is the delightful Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These little treats, often referred to as snowball cookies or Mexican wedding cookies, are celebrated for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty flavor. They are a staple in many households, often passed down through generations, and perfect for festive gatherings. The combination of ground pecans and a buttery dough creates a cookie that is both crunchy and soft, making them a beloved choice for holiday cookie trays and gift-giving. Not only are they delicious, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any holiday celebration.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the best results, use high-quality unsalted butter and fresh pecans. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can sift the all-purpose flour before measuring. This cookie recipe is naturally free of gluten when using almond flour as a substitute, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and the remaining powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.
6. Using your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Keep an eye on them; they should not brown.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated.
9. 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.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best results with your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, consider the following tips: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it soften slightly before rolling into balls.
• Common Mistakes: Avoid over-baking, as this can lead to dry cookies. Also, ensure your butter is at room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.
• Pro Technique: Toasting the pecans before chopping can enhance their flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Variations

While these cookies are delightful as they are, there are endless possibilities for variations:

• Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique twist or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
• Dietary Adjustments: To make them vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg.

Serving Suggestions

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a festive dessert table that includes other holiday favorites like peach cobbler or JFK’s wedding cake. For a charming presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and dust them with additional powdered sugar just before serving.

Whether you are baking for a celebration or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Their unique texture and delightful flavor make them a timeless favorite, perfect for any occasion.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dessert Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

24 cookies

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

15 min

🔥

Calories

—

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These little treats, often referred to as snowball cookies or Mexican wedding cookies, are celebrated for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty flavor.

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Ingredients

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

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2.

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, chopped pecans, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.

3.

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and the remaining powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4.

Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until incorporated.

5.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; the dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.

6.

Using your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

7.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Keep an eye on them; they should not brown.

8.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated.

9.

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.