Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat, known for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are traditionally made using a simple yet decadent combination of ingredients, including high-quality unsalted butter, which imparts a creamy and smooth consistency. The butter is often creamed together with powdered sugar, adding a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the butter’s richness.
The flour in these cookies is typically all-purpose, giving them a soft, tender crumb. Finely chopped pecans are a crucial ingredient, providing a nutty depth and a slightly crunchy contrast to the otherwise soft cookie. The pecans are toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor and aroma, bringing out a delightful nuttiness that is integral to the cookie’s character.
Once the dough is prepared, it is shaped into small balls or crescents, which are then baked until they are just set and lightly golden. This careful baking ensures that the cookies remain soft inside, with a delicate exterior. After baking, while still warm, they are rolled in additional powdered sugar. This coating not only adds an extra layer of sweetness but also gives them their characteristic ‘snowball’ appearance. The final product is a cookie that’s visually appealing, with a dusting of sugar resembling a light snowfall.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are often associated with holidays and special occasions, serving as a comforting reminder of family traditions and festive celebrations. Their rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture make them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts, and their simple yet elegant appearance adds a touch of sophistication to any cookie platter.
These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Some variations include adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for an additional layer of flavor. Others might include a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste profile. Regardless of the variation, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies remain a beloved classic, cherished for their exquisite taste and delightful texture.
Ingredients
1 cup butter softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
How To Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees.
Step 2: Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a stand mixer. Adjust the mixer speed to low, then add in the salt, vanilla, flour, and pecans.
Step 3: Into an inch ball, roll the batter and place the balls a few inches apart from each other on parchment-covered baking sheets. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 11 minutes, making sure to keep an eye on the cookies to not over bake them.
Step 4: Take the cookies out of the oven when done and let them cool a little. Meanwhile, place a cup of powdered sugar in a large Ziploc bag or a wide bowl. Gently coat about 3 to 4 cookies at a time. Scoop the cookies using a fork, shaking gently to remove any excess powdered sugar. On cooling racks, transfer the cookies and let them cool completely before rolling each again in the powdered sugar
