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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic melt-in-your-mouth treat combining rich buttery flavor, toasted pecan crunch, and a tender, crumbly texture. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or cozy gatherings, these cookies are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and offer endless customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Base

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nuts

  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted

Instructions

  1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool, then chop finely to release their rich flavor.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with half of the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy to create the signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining powdered sugar, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients and Pecans into Butter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients and toasted pecans into the butter mixture. Mix gently to form a soft dough that holds together without becoming tough.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking tray, leaving space between each for gentle spreading.
  6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until set but not browned. The cookies should remain pale to preserve their tender quality.
  7. Coat with Powdered Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies carefully in powdered sugar for a classic snowy appearance and added sweetness. Let cool completely before enjoying.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature butter to ensure smooth, even creaming.
  • Fold ingredients gently to keep cookies tender and crumbly, avoiding overmixing.
  • Use a cookie scoop or weigh dough portions for uniform cookie size and even baking.
  • Toast pecans freshly before baking to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Allow cookies to cool fully on a wire rack before coating with powdered sugar to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan snowball cookies, buttery cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, holiday cookies, nutty cookies, crumbly cookies

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