Description
These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and coated in powdered sugar for the perfect snowy finish. Featuring finely chopped pecans for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, these classic American holiday cookies are easy to make and ideal for gifting or sharing with loved ones during festive seasons.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which helps create a light texture in the cookies.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to infuse the dough with flavorful aroma.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt into the butter mixture, stirring until well combined, forming a soft dough.
- Mix in Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped 1 ½ cups pecans evenly throughout the dough for added texture and nutty taste.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden, indicating they are baked through without over-baking.
- Cool and Roll in Sugar (First Coat): Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to start the snowy coating.
- Final Sugar Coat: Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for an extra snowy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Notes
- Toast the pecans before chopping for a deeper, richer flavor and enhanced crunch.
- These cookies make a perfect homemade gift for holidays and special occasions.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for extended shelf life.
