Name: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
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)

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Hey there, my cookie-crunching friend! Let’s whip up something that’s going to make your holiday season—or any season—feel extra special: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies! Imagine bite-sized balls of buttery bliss, packed with toasty pecans and rolled in a snowy dusting of powdered sugar that melts in your mouth like a winter dream. These little gems are crumbly, nutty, and oh-so-addictive—trust me, you’re going to love how they fill your kitchen with that warm, cozy vibe!

Why You’ll Love Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, gifting a tin to a pal, or just sneaking a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are perfect. Here’s why they’re a total delight:

Versatile: Perfect for holiday trays, afternoon snacks, or a cozy night in—anytime you need a little joy!
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you’ve likely got—no fancy stuff, just pure goodness.
Quick and Easy: Mix, roll, bake—simple steps that even a beginner can nail with a smile!
Customizable: Swap the nuts, tweak the sweet—these snowballs roll with your whims!
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love the snowy sugar, adults adore the nutty richness—everyone’s grabbing seconds!

Ingredients in Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Here’s the lineup that makes these cookies a buttery masterpiece—simple ingredients, big flavor. Let’s break it down:

Butter

The star of the show—rich and creamy, it’s what makes these melt in your mouth.

Pecans

Toasty and nutty—chopped fine for that perfect crunch in every bite.

Flour

The soft backbone—holds it all together into tender, crumbly balls.

Powdered Sugar

Sweet and snowy—inside for sweetness, outside for that classic snowball look.

Vanilla Extract

A warm whisper—adds that cozy, bakery vibe we all crave.

Salt

A tiny pinch—lifts the flavors and balances the sweet.

Instructions

Let’s roll up some snowy magic—grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

Preheat Your Equipment

Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C)—sets the stage for golden, buttery perfection!

Toast the Pecans

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast ‘em in the oven for 5-7 minutes—‘til they smell nutty and awesome. Cool and chop ‘em fine—flavor boost activated!

Cream the Base

In a big bowl, beat butter and a bit of powdered sugar ‘til fluffy—about 2 minutes with a mixer. Splash in vanilla and salt—smooth and dreamy now!

Mix the Dough

Stir in flour and chopped pecans—mix ‘til it’s a soft, crumbly dough. Don’t overwork it—keep that tenderness!

Shape the Balls

Roll dough into 1-inch balls—nice and round, like little snowballs ready for fun. Place ‘em on a parchment-lined baking sheet, 2 inches apart—they won’t spread much!

Bake to Bliss

Bake for 12-15 minutes—‘til the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops stay pale. Smells like a pecan paradise already!

Cool Slightly

Let ‘em cool on the tray for 5 minutes—makes ‘em sturdy enough to roll without crumbling.

Dust with Sugar

Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar—coat ‘em good for that snowy look. Cool completely, then roll ‘em again—double the snow, double the yum!

Serve and Enjoy

Pile ‘em up and dig in—perfect with a cup of tea or just straight from the tray!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

These cookies are a treat all on their own, but a little flair makes ‘em extra special—here’s how:

Fresh Salads: Pair with a fruit salad—think oranges or berries—for a light, sweet contrast.
Crusty Bread: Skip the bread—serve with a hot cocoa or coffee instead!
Creamy Accompaniments: Dip in a bit of melted chocolate—fancy it up for a holiday twist!
Vegetable Sides: Nah, keep it sweet—maybe a sprinkle of extra pecans for crunch!
As a Standalone: Stack ‘em in a festive tin or on a plate—simple, snowy, and oh-so-grabbable!
Pro tip: Serve at room temp—lets that buttery goodness shine through with every bite!

Additional Tips

Here’s some friendly know-how to make these snowballs your own:

Prep Ahead: Make the dough a day early—chill it, then roll and bake when you’re ready!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg—gives ‘em a warm, wintery kick!
Dietary Adjustments: Swap flour for gluten-free or use plant-based butter—still crumbly and delish!
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container—good for 2 weeks at room temp, a month in the fridge!
Double the Batch: Double it up for gifting—freeze extra dough balls for later baking!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute pecans with another nut?
A1: Yup! Walnuts or almonds work—chop ‘em fine for that same nutty vibe!

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Totally! Bake ‘em up to a week ahead—store airtight and they’re still snowy perfection!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Airtight container—2 weeks at room temp, a month in the fridge for sneaky snacking!

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Oh yeah! Freeze baked cookies or dough balls—bake from frozen, add a minute or two!

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: No reheating needed—room temp is best, but a quick 5 minutes at 300°F freshens ‘em up!

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Sure thing! Double the dough—bake in batches for a snowball avalanche!

Q7: Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
A7: You can! They’re still tasty—just dust with a little sugar inside for balance!

Q8: What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
A8: Skip it or use a drop of almond extract—still a nutty delight!

Q9: Can I make them less sweet?
A9: Yup! Cut the sugar in the dough a bit—keep the snowy coat for that classic look!

Q10: How do I keep them from crumbling too much?
A10: Don’t overbake—pull ‘em when the bottoms are just golden, and let ‘em cool before rolling!

Conclusion

There you have it, my friend—Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies that’ll sprinkle your days with nutty, sugary joy! They’re quick, they’re melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and they’ve got that pecan-packed magic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with your crew or stashing a few for yourself (no judgment!), these little snowballs are your ticket to cookie bliss. So grab that butter, roll some dough, and let’s bake something awesome—you’ve got this, and it’s going to be downright delicious!