Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

The holiday season is all about warm, cozy moments, and what better way to create those cherished memories than by baking delicious treats? Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a holiday classic that never goes out of style. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for a festive gathering or a quiet evening by the fireplace. In this blog post, we’ll explore this delightful recipe, from ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these cookies are a breeze to make. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your loved ones with these delectable Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies!

Who Are These Cookies For?

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are for everyone, from the seasoned bakers looking to add a new recipe to their repertoire to those just starting their culinary journey. They’re perfect for the holiday season but can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply indulging in some self-care, these cookies are a delightful choice. The sweet, nutty flavor and the delicate, powdery coating make them a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re also great for gifting – who can resist a box of homemade cookies tied with a festive ribbon?

Why Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Are Great

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients for this recipe. The core ingredients are likely already in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can have these cookies ready in about 30 minutes. That’s less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holidays.
Versatile: While Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a holiday favorite, they can be enjoyed any time of the year. You can also customize them with different nuts or flavorings.
Kid-Friendly: Get the little ones involved in rolling the dough into balls and coating them with powdered sugar. It’s a fun and mess-free activity!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before you start baking these delightful cookies, make sure you have the following kitchen equipment on hand:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl to cream the butter and sugar and a separate bowl for the powdered sugar coating.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While it’s possible to mix the dough by hand, using a mixer will save you time and effort. If you have a stand mixer, even better!
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.
Parchment Paper: This will make it easier to transfer the cookies to the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Baking Sheets: Have a couple of baking sheets ready, as the cookies will need space to spread slightly while baking.
Wire Rack: This will help the cookies cool evenly after baking.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this scrumptious recipe. Follow these steps to make a batch of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies that will leave your taste buds tingling!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take around 2-3 minutes.
Add Flavor and Salt: Now, add the salt and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Gradually Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the mixture while continuing to mix. You’ll end up with a soft, pliable dough.
Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans. This is where the cookies get their delightful nutty flavor and texture.
Roll Into Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as the baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are cool, place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each cookie in the sugar to coat it completely. This step gives them that signature “snowball” appearance.

Notes

To enhance the flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This brings out their nuttiness.
You can customize this recipe by using different nuts like almonds or walnuts. Each nut will impart a unique flavor to the cookies.
If you want a more intense vanilla flavor, you can use vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean seeds instead of vanilla extract.

FAQ

Q1: Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll the frozen dough in powdered sugar and bake as usual.

Q2: How do I store leftover cookies?

Store your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q3: Can I make these cookies without nuts for nut allergies?

Absolutely. If you or your loved ones have nut allergies, simply omit the pecans from the recipe. The cookies will still be wonderfully delicious.

Food and Drink Pairings

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a versatile treat that pairs well with a variety of beverages. Here are some recommendations:

Hot Cocoa: A classic choice for a cozy evening in front of the fireplace.
Tea: A cup of your favorite tea, be it black, green, or herbal, complements the sweetness of these cookies.
Coffee: Whether you prefer it black or with cream and sugar, coffee is an excellent match for these nutty delights.
Milk: For a nostalgic twist, dunk your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in a glass of cold milk.