Hello lovely readers! Today, I’m sharing a holiday classic: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are the ultimate festive treat — buttery, nutty, and perfectly dusted with powdered sugar. They’re simple, elegant, and guaranteed to be a hit at your holiday gatherings!
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Overview of the Recipe
What It Is
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery cookies filled with chopped pecans and rolled in powdered sugar to create a snowball effect. Perfect for Christmas, holiday cookie exchanges, or gifting.
Why You’ll Love It
- Soft, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Easy to make with only a few ingredients
- Perfectly festive for the holidays
- Makes a beautiful addition to dessert platters
- Great for gifting — they store well
What They Taste Like
Rich butter flavor, lightly nutty from pecans, with a delicate sweetness. Each bite melts instantly in your mouth — the powdered sugar adds a festive snow-dusted finish.
Ingredient List
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
Topping
- Additional 1/2 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula or spoon
- Cooling rack
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Step 1 — Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Cream Butter
In a large bowl, cream softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3 — Add Vanilla
Stir in vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4 — Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and chopped pecans. Gradually add to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 5 — Shape Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Step 6 — Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake — they should remain soft and tender.
Step 7 — Coat in Powdered Sugar
While cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to create the snowball effect. For extra snowiness, roll a second time after cookies cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee
- Add to holiday cookie trays for gifting
- Pair with peppermint bark or chocolate truffles for a festive platter
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Toast pecans lightly for a deeper nutty flavor
- Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing
- Don’t overbake to ensure melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Roll twice in powdered sugar for extra festive look
- Store in an airtight container to maintain softness
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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – Soft, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Treats! ✨❄️
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays, gifting, and festive trays.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Additional 1/2 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet with parchment.
2. Cream butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix.
4. Fold in flour, salt, and pecans until dough forms.
5. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
6. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
7. Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, cool completely, and roll again.
Notes
Store in airtight container up to 1 week. Double roll in powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 15
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: 5–7 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; roll in powdered sugar after thawing if desired
General Information
Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a classic holiday treat. Their buttery, nutty flavor and festive powdered sugar coating make them a favorite for generations. This version, with toasted pecans, adds extra richness and crunch while remaining soft and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts are a great substitute.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Why are my cookies crumbly?
They should be soft and delicate, but ensure butter is fully incorporated and don’t overbake.
4. Can I roll cookies in powdered sugar before baking?
No — they are rolled after baking for the classic snowball look.
Conclusion
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly festive. Perfect for holidays, cookie exchanges, or gifting, they’re a melt-in-your-mouth treat that everyone will love.
Other Poulef favorites:
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Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 45mg |
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Lydia Madisyn
Lydia Madisyne is a food lover and recipe creator who believes cooking is all about love, comfort, and connection. On poulef.com, she shares wholesome, flavorful dishes and everyday inspiration to make your kitchen a place of joy.
