I’m excited to share this recipe with you. It’s a guide to making delicious treats that everyone will love. First, we toast pecans for extra flavor. Then, we mix butter and sugar until smooth. Finally, we add the dry ingredients and the pecans smoothly.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Simple ingredients are used to make these delicious cookies.
- The recipe involves straightforward steps like toasting pecans and creaming butter and sugar
- These cookies are perfect for the holiday season, making them a great gift or treat.
- The use of powdered sugar gives the cookies a sweet and snowy appearance.
- They are easy to make and require minimal preparation time.
The Magic of Pecan Snowball Cookies
Pecan Snowball Cookies are a special treat for the holiday season. They are more than just a sweet snack. They bring people together with their rich flavor and powdered sugar coating.
A Beloved Holiday Tradition
For many years, Pecan Snowball Cookies have been a holiday favorite. Their tasty texture and the memories they bring make them special. These cookies are a classic holiday treat loved by all.
What Makes These Cookies Special
So, what makes Pecan Snowball Cookies stand out? It’s their mix of flavors and textures. The crunchy pecans and soft, buttery dough are coated in powdered sugar. Here’s why they’re loved:
- Rich, buttery flavor
- Generous coating of powdered sugar
- Crunchy pecans for added texture
Ingredients and Kitchen Prep
To make the perfect Pecan Snowball Cookies, start with the right ingredients. This ensures your cookies are delicious and true to the recipe.
Cookie Dough Ingredients
The cookie dough needs high-quality ingredients. You’ll need 227 g unsalted butter, 60 g powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The dry ingredients are 250 g all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt. And don’t forget 125 g toasted pecans for flavor and texture.
Butter, Sugar, and Dry Ingredients
The unsalted butter and powdered sugar are key for taste and texture. All-purpose flour and salt give structure. Vanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness.
All About the Pecans
Toasted pecans are essential, bringing a nutty flavor. To toast them, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. They should smell fragrant.
Tools and Equipment
You’ll need some tools for baking. A large mixing bowl, a baking sheet with parchment paper, and a cookie scoop or spoon are must-haves. They make shaping and baking easy.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Now we’re ready to bake Pecan Snowball Cookies. We’ll go through each step. This includes toasting pecans and getting the powdered sugar just right.
Toasting and Preparing the Pecans
Toasting pecans makes them taste nutty. First, heat your oven to 325°F. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 7 and 10 minutes. They should smell good and look lightly browned. Let them cool, then chop them.
Tip: Watch the pecans closely. They can burn quickly.
Mixing the Perfect Dough
Start by mixing butter and sugar until fluffy. This adds air and texture. Then, mix in flour and salt until just combined. Finally, add the toasted pecans.
Shaping, Baking, and Cooling
Make the dough into small balls, about 1 inch big. Place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 325°F for 18-20 minutes. They should be lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool a bit before moving them to a wire rack.
The Powdered Sugar Coating Technique
When the cookies are cool, roll them in powdered sugar. For a thicker coat, roll them again when they’re completely cool. This makes them look great and adds sweetness.
| Step | Description | Tips |
| 1 | Toast pecans at 325°F for 7–10 minutes. | Watch closely to avoid burning. |
| 2 | Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. | Use room temperature butter for best results. |
| 3 | Shape dough into small balls. | Keep balls uniform for even baking. |
“The secret to perfect Pecan Snowball Cookies lies in the details: toasting the pecans, mixing the dough just right, and coating the cookies generously in powdered sugar.”
Serving, Storing, and Variations
Baking Pecan Snowball Cookies is fun. It’s even better when you share and store them. These tasty cookies are great for any occasion.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Enjoy your Pecan Snowball Cookies with coffee or hot cocoa. They’re also yummy on their own or with cold milk. Serve them on a pretty platter or in cute containers for a nice gift.
- Pair with coffee or hot cocoa
- Serve as a standalone snack
- Package in decorative containers for gifting
Creative Variations to Try
Try new things with Pecan Snowball Cookies. Add nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Or add cinnamon or nutmeg for a special flavor.
- Add different types of nuts
- Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Keep your Pecan Snowball Cookies fresh. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week, perfect for the holiday season.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this easy cookie recipe, I hope you’re excited to start baking. These Pecan Snowball Cookies are delicious. They have a buttery flavor and a sweet powdered sugar coating.
By following this simple recipe, you can make a batch of these tasty cookies. They’re perfect for sharing with your loved ones. This recipe is great for both seasoned bakers and beginners.
So, go ahead and get baking. Make some unforgettable memories with your family and friends. I’m excited to hear about your experiences with Pecan Snowball Cookies! Looking for other cookies recipes ? Check out this chocolate or lemon cookies for your sugar cravings.
FAQ
1. What is the best way to store Pecan Snowball Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
2. Can I make Pecan Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container.
3. How do I achieve the perfect powdered sugar coating?
Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar right after baking. Then, do it again when they cool down. This will give them a beautiful, even coating.
4. Can I substitute other nuts for pecans in Pecan Snowball Cookies?
Yes, you can use walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans. But remember, the flavor and texture might be a bit different.
5. Are Pecan Snowball Cookies suitable for gift-giving?
Absolutely! They make a wonderful gift in decorative tins or jars. They’re great for holiday gifts or cookie exchanges.
6. Can I make Pecan Snowball Cookies without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make them without a stand mixer. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the butter and sugar. Then follow the recipe.
Full Detailed Recipe
PrintPecan Snowball Cookies
Tender, buttery, and coated in snowy powdered sugar — these pecan snowball cookies melt in your mouth! Perfect for holiday platters or cozy winter baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
Ingredients
For the dough:
– 227 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar, sifted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, sifted
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 125 g (1 cup) pecans, toasted and finely chopped
For coating:
– 40 g (⅓ cup) powdered sugar (for rolling after baking)
Instructions
1. Toast the pecans (if not already toasted): Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 325°F (160°C) for 7–10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool, then finely chop.
2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy (about 2 minutes). Mix in the vanilla.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. It may be crumbly at first — keep mixing.
4. Fold in pecans: Stir chopped pecans into the dough evenly.
5. Chill the dough: Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
7. Shape and bake: Scoop dough (1 tbsp each), roll into balls, and place 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
8. Cool and coat in sugar: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll gently in powdered sugar. Once cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 2g