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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 131 reviews

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies coated with powdered sugar, featuring a rich buttery base and finely chopped pecans for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for holiday treats or any special occasion, these cookies offer a tender crumb with a sweet, snowy finish.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup pecans (or walnuts), finely chopped

For Dusting

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Add Flavorings and Flour: Add ¼ teaspoon salt and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Gradually add the 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour on low speed, mixing until just combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
  4. Incorporate Pecans: Fold in the finely chopped ¾ cup pecans by hand to distribute evenly without crushing.
  5. Shape Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for gentle spreading.
  6. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, checking for lightly golden bottoms. Avoid overbaking to maintain their tender texture.
  7. First Sugar Coating: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in 1 cup powdered sugar while warm to start the snowy coating.
  8. Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool fully, enhancing their texture and flavor.
  9. Second Sugar Coating: Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to create a thick, distinctive snowball appearance.
  10. Serve: Enjoy your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies fresh or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence.

Notes

  • For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts.
  • Ensure butter is softened but not melted for the best cookie texture.
  • Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and crumbly rather than dry and hard.
  • Rolling in powdered sugar twice provides a classic snowball effect and extra sweetness.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: snowball cookies, pecan cookies, buttery cookies, holiday cookies, powdered sugar cookies, melt-in-mouth cookies

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/buttery-pecan-snowball-cookies-recipe/