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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 42 reviews

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty snack. Featuring a tender, buttery dough enriched with finely chopped pecans and coated in powdered sugar, these classic cookies offer a delightful balance of rich flavor and delicate texture.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Coating

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your 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 until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, which helps incorporate air for a tender texture.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Add salt and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, then gradually sift in the all-purpose flour while mixing at low speed to avoid overworking the dough. Once combined, fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand to evenly distribute the nuts.
  4. Form Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
  5. Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a light golden color. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
  6. Cool and First Dusting: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Then, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar while they are still warm, allowing the sugar to slightly melt into the surface.
  7. Second Dusting and Final Cooling: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy coating that defines these classic treats.
  8. Serve: Serve your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies and enjoy their rich, nutty flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Notes

  • Use finely chopped pecans or walnuts according to your preference for a delightful crunch.
  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
  • Do not overbake; cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom for the perfect texture.
  • Rolling cookies twice in powdered sugar enhances the snowball appearance and adds sweetness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For a nut-free version, simply omit nuts and increase flour by ¼ cup to maintain dough consistency.

Keywords: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, Snowball Cookies, Pecan Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Nutty Cookies, Powdered Sugar Cookies, Classic Cookies

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