Flawless Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in 15 Minutes

Okay, friends, let’s talk holiday baking! Isn’t there just something magical about a kitchen filled with the smell of warm cookies? For me, it’s a HUGE part of the season. And while I love a good sugar cookie, sometimes you just want something a little… different, ya know? That’s where these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies come in. They’re like a sophisticated, nutty twist on those classic snowballs we all know and love. I remember one Christmas, my grandma accidentally used browned butter in hers – total game changer! Ever since, a nutty, buttery flavor is essential. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are seriously addictive!

Why You’ll Love These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Okay, seriously, what’s not to love? These aren’t your average Christmas cookies. Here’s why they’ll become a new holiday staple:

• That melt-in-your-mouth texture? Oh yeah. They’re unbelievably tender.
• The buttery, nutty flavor combo is pure heaven. Think pecan pie in cookie form!
• They’re surprisingly easy to make! No weird ingredients or complicated steps, promise.
• Those pretty little snow-covered domes? Perfect for gifting or adding some festive cheer to your dessert table. And these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies? They’re always a hit!

Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these little balls of deliciousness. Trust me, using good quality stuff makes ALL the difference! We’re talking:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (not melted!)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating (and I mean a GENEROUS coating!)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (the real stuff, please!)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (no packing it in!)
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted for enhanced flavor (toasting is KEY, people!)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (just a pinch to balance the sweet)

How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s way easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in no time!

1. First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Seriously, don’t skip this! A consistent temperature is super important for even baking.
2. Now, grab a big bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. You want it light and fluffy – think whipped cream! Beat in that teaspoon of vanilla extract too. Mmm, smells good already, right?
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This just makes sure everything’s evenly distributed, ya know? Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet stuff, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! We’re not making bread here. Stir in that cup of finely chopped pecans.
4. Time to shape the dough! Roll it into 1-inch balls. They don’t have to be perfect, rustic is charming! Place them on ungreased baking sheets. Careful not to overcrowd them – give them a little space to breathe.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! You want the bottoms to be lightly browned, but the tops should still be pale.
6. Now, this is important: Let the cookies cool *slightly* on the baking sheets before rolling them in powdered sugar. If they’re too hot, the sugar will melt. If they’re too cool, it won’t stick. Then, cool them completely on wire racks. Once they’re totally cool, roll them in powdered sugar *again*. Double the sugar, double the fun! Besides, they look way better.

Tips for Perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Want to take your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies from “good” to “OMG these are amazing!”? Of course, you do! Here are my go-to tricks:

• **Toast those pecans!** Seriously, toasting brings out so much flavor. Just spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until fragrant. Watch them carefully, they can burn fast!
• **Chill the dough (maybe)!** If your dough feels really soft and sticky, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
• **Powdered sugar power!** Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar coating, it’s what makes these cookies so pretty! And remember that double-dip? Totally worth it. The first coat kind of melts in, and the second gives you that gorgeous snowy look.

Ingredient Spotlight: Pecans in Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Let’s give a shout-out to the star of the show: pecans! They’re not just there for decoration, ya know? Pecans bring this warm, buttery flavor that’s just… cozy. Plus, they’re packed with healthy fats and antioxidants! Who knew cookies could be (kinda) good for you? Seriously though, splurge on some good quality pecans – you’ll taste the difference!

Storing Your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Okay, so you’ve baked these gorgeous Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh. Easy peasy! Just pop them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 3-4 days… if they last that long! Want to keep them even longer? They freeze beautifully! Just store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature, and give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar. Voila, good as new!

Frequently Asked Questions About Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Got questions about these little snowballs? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask me about making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:

Can I use a different nut?

Absolutely! While pecans give these cookies their signature flavor, you could totally swap them out. Walnuts would be delicious, or even almonds for a slightly different vibe. Just make sure to chop them finely and toast them for that extra oomph. If you are looking for a vegan Christmas cookies option, you may try to substitute the butter for a vegan butter substitute.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You bet! That’s one of the things I love most about these cookies. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to roll them in the powdered sugar until right before serving, or it might get a little… melty.

How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting?

Ah, the age-old question! Humidity is the enemy here. Make sure your cookies are completely cool before rolling them in the powdered sugar. And if you live in a humid area, you might want to store them in the fridge (but they’re best at room temp, texture-wise). A second dusting right before serving also helps keep them looking snowy white!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Okay, so here’s the lowdown on the nutritional stuff. Keep in mind, these are just estimates, but each Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookie clocks in around:

Enjoy Your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies!

Alright, folks, that’s all there is to it! Now it’s your turn to bake up a batch of these amazing Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. I know you’re gonna love them! Hey, if you try the recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Or better yet, snap a pic and share it on social media! (And hey, you can check out my lavender cookie recipie too!) Happy baking!

Print