Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery richness and nutty pecan crunch with these easy-to-make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, they bring nostalgic comfort with simple ingredients and a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture, ideal for holidays, gifting, or everyday indulgence.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Gather all necessary ingredients and chop your pecans finely to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and continue mixing until light and fluffy to create the perfect base.
  3. Incorporate vanilla and salt: Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the creamed mixture, stirring well to evenly distribute flavor.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients and pecans: Slowly add all-purpose flour in batches, folding it gently into the butter mixture, then fold in the chopped pecans to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Shape the cookies: Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form small round balls, about 1 inch in diameter, placing them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake to perfection: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes until they’re set but still pale, ensuring a tender texture.
  7. Coat with powdered sugar: While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each in powdered sugar to achieve the classic snowball finish, then allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to ensure even mixing and a smoother dough.
  • Fold ingredients gently to keep cookies tender and prevent toughness.
  • Chop nuts evenly for consistent texture in every bite.
  • Roll cookies in powdered sugar twice: once while warm and again after cooling for the perfect snowball effect.
  • Test bake one cookie first to check texture and adjust baking time as needed.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, pecan cookies, snowball cookies, holiday cookies, nut cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, gluten-free cookies option