Tired of cookies that disappoint with dry, crumbly textures? Ever bite into a cookie expecting magic only to find something forgettable? I’ve been there too! These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the answer to your cookie dreams perfectly tender treats that literally melt in your mouth with each heavenly bite.
Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! I’ve spent years perfecting these snowball cookies, testing countless batches until they achieved that perfect melt-away texture that leaves everyone asking for the recipe. As someone who believes cookies should bring joy with every bite, I’m thrilled to share this family favorite that never fails to impress.
In this recipe guide, you’ll discover my secrets for achieving the perfect buttery pecan snowball cookies, including ingredient selection tips, step-by-step instructions, and variations to make them your own. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange or simply craving something special, these little powdered sugar-dusted delights will become your new go-to recipe!
Why These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Work
● Uses pantry staples most bakers already have on hand
● Requires just 30 minutes of prep time for busy bakers
● Perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or weeknight treats
● Creates that coveted “melt-in-your-mouth” texture other cookies can’t match
● Stores beautifully for up to 2 weeks (if they last that long!)
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Butter Selection for Snowball Cookies
The foundation of these cookies is quality butter. Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the best results. European-style butter with higher fat content creates an even richer, more tender cookie. The butter’s quality directly impacts the melt-in-your-mouth magic we’re aiming for.
Nut Options for Perfect Snowball Cookies
While pecans are traditional and provide a buttery, slightly sweet flavor, you can substitute other nuts. Toasted walnuts offer earthier notes, while hazelnuts bring a sophisticated twist. Whatever nut you choose, toast them lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor profile in your buttery pecan snowball cookies.
Flour Considerations
All-purpose flour works perfectly, but for an even more tender cookie, try substituting 1/4 cup of cornstarch for an equal amount of flour. This creates a softer crumb that enhances the melt-in-your-mouth quality these buttery pecan snowball cookies are famous for.
Ingredients & Prep for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Cookie Dough Essentials
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Nut Preparation
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Allow to cool completely before chopping finely. This simple step dramatically enhances the nutty flavor in your buttery pecan snowball cookies.
Pantry Tips
Vanilla extract quality matters significantly in these cookies. Use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best flavor. For an extra special touch, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for depth and complexity.
Step-by-Step Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookie Instructions
Pre-Baking Prep for Snowball Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Prepare a shallow bowl with powdered sugar for coating the cookies after baking.
Mixing Method for Perfect Snowball Cookies
- In a large bowl, cream butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and beat until light and airy (1-2 minutes more).
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in toasted, chopped pecans.
Shaping and Baking Snowball Cookies
- Scoop dough by tablespoons and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place balls 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden (tops will remain pale).
- Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
Finishing Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- While still warm (but not hot), gently roll cookies in powdered sugar.
- Place on wire racks to cool completely.
- Once completely cool, roll cookies in powdered sugar again for that classic snowball appearance.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Avoiding Crumbly Snowball Cookies
Don’t overmix the dough once the flour is added – this develops gluten and creates tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Also, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into measuring cups and leveling off (don’t scoop directly with the measuring cup).
Want to see more amazing cookie recipes? Check out my Pinterest board filled with holiday baking inspiration! Pinterest for endless baking ideas you’ll love.
Tool Recommendations for Snowball Cookies
A small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon size) ensures uniform cookies that bake evenly. Silicone baking mats or parchment paper prevents sticking and promotes even baking. A cooling rack is essential for that perfect second coating of powdered sugar.
Storage & Presentation of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For gift-giving, place cookies in decorative tins lined with doily paper for an elegant presentation that protects these delicate treats.
Flavor Variations for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips along with the pecans for a chocolate lover’s version of these classic cookies. The chocolate adds delightful pockets of sweetness throughout the buttery cookie.
Citrus-Infused Snowball Cookies
Add 1 tablespoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing twist on traditional buttery pecan snowball cookies. The citrus notes beautifully complement the rich butter and toasty pecans.
Spiced Snowball Cookies
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced version perfect for winter holidays. These spiced buttery pecan snowball cookies pair beautifully with hot chocolate or coffee.
| Variation | Added Ingredients | Best Served With |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Pecan | 1 cup toasted pecans | Coffee or tea |
| Chocolate Chip | 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips + 3/4 cup pecans | Cold milk |
| Citrus-Infused | 1 tbsp orange/lemon zest | Earl Grey tea |
| Spiced | 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch nutmeg | Hot chocolate |
Serving Suggestions for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
These delicate buttery pecan snowball cookies shine when served with complementary beverages. Pair with afternoon tea, especially Earl Grey or Darjeeling, for an elegant tea time. For coffee lovers, these cookies are divine alongside a cappuccino or latte, where the coffee’s bitterness balances the cookie’s sweetness.
For holiday gatherings, arrange these snowball cookies on a tiered stand with other festive cookies for a visual treat. Their snow-white appearance makes them a standout on any cookie tray. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary between cookies for a holiday-themed presentation that’s both beautiful and aromatic.
FAQs About Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Can I make buttery pecan snowball cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month – just add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Why did my snowball cookies flatten instead of staying round?
If your cookies flatten, your butter was likely too warm. Chill the shaped dough balls for 15 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. Also, make sure your baking sheets are completely cool before placing new batches of dough on them.
Are buttery pecan snowball cookies the same as Russian tea cakes?
Yes, these cookies go by many names! Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, and Italian wedding cookies are all close variations of this same beloved treat. The basic formula of butter, flour, nuts, and powdered sugar remains consistent across these traditional recipes.
Time to Bake Some Magic!
Now that you have all my secrets for making perfect buttery pecan snowball cookies, it’s time to preheat that oven and get baking! These melt-in-your-mouth treasures have been bringing smiles to faces in my family for generations, and I know they’ll do the same for yours.
Remember, the magic is in the details toasting the nuts, handling the dough gently, and that double roll in powdered sugar. The result? Cookies that literally melt away with each bite, leaving nothing but sweet, buttery, nutty bliss.
Share your creations on social media and tag GusRecipes I’d love to see your buttery pecan snowball cookies and hear how they’ve become part of your baking tradition too!
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: Melt in Your Mouth Magic!
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-style cookies filled with chopped pecans and coated in powdered sugar a classic holiday treat that’s simple and irresistible.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
6. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
9. Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the dough.
These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
Perfect for gifting or holiday cookie exchanges.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: pecan snowball cookies, butterball cookies, holiday cookies, Christmas cookies