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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies combine rich, tender butter, toasted pecans, and a delicate crumbly texture dusted with powdered sugar. These classic cookies offer a perfect balance of buttery flavor, nutty aroma, and a crisp exterior with a soft interior. Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or cozy snacks, they are easy to make and versatile for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and golden brown. This intensifies their flavor.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, combine room temperature unsalted butter with powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream them together until light, fluffy, and pale, which helps give the cookies a tender texture.
  3. Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in vanilla extract and salt into the creamed butter and sugar to enhance the flavor balance.
  4. Incorporate Flour and Pecans: Slowly blend in all-purpose flour until the dough begins to form. Gently fold in the toasted pecans, handling the dough carefully to avoid toughness.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing room for expansion.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until bottoms turn light golden brown. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them generously in powdered sugar while still warm.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for even creaming and tender cookies.
  • Do not skip toasting pecans as it enhances their flavor.
  • Handle dough gently to prevent tough cookies.
  • Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar for a classic snowball look.
  • If dough is warm, chill slightly for easier shaping.

Nutrition

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