Description
Pecan Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights perfect for the holiday season. Made from simple ingredients including chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and vanilla, these cookies have a sweet, sugary flavor with a tender texture. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a classic holiday treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cups pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F (204° C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, and sea salt until well combined.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Create Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients bowl and beat on low speed just until everything is combined to form a soft dough.
- Form Cookies: Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop out 1-inch balls of dough. Roll each between your palms until they form smooth, round balls. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the bottom edges are lightly browned, taking care not to overbake or burn them.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly until they can be handled, then roll each cookie in extra powdered sugar until fully coated for the characteristic snowball look and sweetness.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies as they are best when soft and melt-in-the-mouth.
- You can use walnuts instead of pecans depending on your preference or availability.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to ensure easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Storing the cookies in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to one week.
- For a festive touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
