Delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Welcome to a holiday classic that never fails to impress – Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies! These delightful treats are a must-have in every kitchen, signaling the joyous start of the festive season. Picture this: delicate, buttery cookies with a subtle crunch from toasted pecans, all blanketed in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. It’s a recipe that exudes warmth and nostalgia, perfect for celebrations or heartfelt gifting.

The magic begins as the scent of toasted nuts and sweet vanilla wafts through your home, setting the scene for a baking tradition that will surely warm your heart. Rolling these cookies in a warm sugar embrace transforms your kitchen into a winter wonderland, creating an enchanting experience that lingers in your memory. Whether you’re baking these for loved ones or keeping up with your own cherished holiday rituals, these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are sure to steal the show and leave everyone craving more.

Quick Benefits

• Delicate Flavor: These cookies have a delicate buttery flavor with a gentle crunch from toasted pecans.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Rolling warm cookies in powdered sugar creates a magical, snowy appearance perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Versatile: Substitutions like walnuts or hazelnuts, dairy-free butter, and flavor additions such as orange zest allow for customization to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Long-lasting Freshness: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature, or freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough for longer storage.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe Recipe

• Delicate and Buttery Flavor: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality with a delicate buttery taste that is sure to please your taste buds.
• Warm and Cozy Memories: The aroma of toasted nuts and sweet vanilla will fill your kitchen, evoking warm holiday memories and creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Perfect for Celebrations and Gifting: Ideal for celebrations or as thoughtful gifts, these cookies are guaranteed to impress and receive rave reviews.
• Easy to Store and Freeze: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature, or freeze them for longer storage. They are perfect for making ahead of time.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can customize this recipe by using walnuts or hazelnuts, dairy-free butter for a vegan option, or experimenting with different extracts like orange or almond for added flavor.
• Beautiful Presentation: These cookies look stunning on holiday platters and make for a lovely gift. The sugary coating gives them a magical snow globe effect that is visually appealing.
• Traditional Recipe with a Southern Twist: The recipe pays homage to old-world traditions while incorporating a southern twist with pecans, creating a unique and delicious cookie.
• Cultural Roots: Snowball cookies have roots in various cultures, adding a touch of history and diversity to your holiday baking traditions.
• Perfect Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful afternoon treat. They also pair well with tart fruits for a beautiful color contrast.
• Holiday Tradition: Baking a batch of these pecan snowball cookies will make them a cherished part of your holiday traditions, bringing sweet joy to your festive season.

Ingredients for Delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Dough

• 110 grams pecans, finely chopped
• 227 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 60 grams powdered sugar
• 280 grams all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon fine salt

Finishing

• 120 grams powdered sugar, for dusting

Pro Tips for Delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

To make perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, chilling the dough before baking is essential to help them keep their round shape and prevent spreading. This step ensures a uniform and beautiful final product. Additionally, rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar not only adds a delightful snowy coating but also helps the sugar slightly melt, creating a smooth finish.

If you want to switch up the recipe, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans, offering a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly. To add an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating orange zest or almond extract for a unique twist. Finally, when storing these festive cookies, ensure they are kept in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness, and for longer storage, freeze them with parchment paper between layers.

How to Make Delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Preheat oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave ungreased.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and 60 grams of powdered sugar until pale and fluffy. Mix in salt and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Flour

Slowly incorporate the flour into the butter mixture, stirring gently until a thick, soft dough is formed.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans

Incorporate the finely chopped pecans into the dough, making sure they are evenly mixed.

Step 5: Chill Dough (Optional)

For a rounder cookie shape, cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Form the dough into balls that are 2.5 cm in size and place them 5 cm apart on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until cookie bottoms are lightly golden and tops are pale.

Step 8: Powder Sugar Coating

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then coat each one with powdered sugar while they are still warm.

Step 9: Final Dusting

Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Dust generously with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Storage Tips

Once the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their freshness. If you wish to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies with layers of parchment paper between each tier. When ready to enjoy, allow the cookies to defrost at room temperature before serving. Additionally, you have the option to freeze the unbaked dough balls; just remember to bring them to room temperature before shaping and baking.

To maintain the delicate sugary coating and preserve the cookies’ appearance, handle them gently when storing or gifting. These cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays or as thoughtful food gifts. They pair wonderfully with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat and make a beautiful addition to holiday cookie platters. By following these storage tips, you can ensure that your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies stay delicious and delightful for all your festive occasions.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts or hazelnuts can be used as a substitute. While the flavor and texture may vary slightly, they can still provide a delicious twist to the classic snowball cookies. You can also try adding a half teaspoon of orange zest or swapping vanilla extract for almond extract to introduce new flavors to the cookies.

For a vegan version of these buttery pecan snowball cookies, you can use dairy-free butter as a substitute. This swap will still allow you to achieve the rich and delicate texture of the cookies while catering to dietary preferences. Additionally, rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar not only creates a snowy coating but also helps the sugar slightly melt, ensuring it sticks well to the cookies and enhances their sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

For a festive presentation, serve these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies on a bed of faux snow made with powdered sugar on a serving platter. Arrange the cookies in a circular pattern to mimic a snowball effect, creating a whimsical and visually appealing display that will surely delight your guests.

To add a touch of elegance to your holiday dessert spread, pair these delicate pecan snowball cookies with a selection of gourmet teas. Offer a variety of flavors such as Earl Grey, chamomile, and peppermint to complement the buttery richness of the cookies. Encourage guests to savor each bite of the cookies alongside a warm cup of tea, creating a cozy and sophisticated tasting experience that embodies the essence of the holiday season.

FAQs for Delicious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts in this recipe?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans, though flavor and texture may slightly differ.

What is the purpose of rolling warm cookies in powdered sugar?

Rolling warm cookies helps the sugar melt slightly, creating a smooth, snowy coating that sticks well.

How should I store the snowball cookies for best freshness?

Keep snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best freshness.

Can I freeze the baked cookies or unbaked dough?

Yes, baked cookies or unbaked dough balls can be frozen. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after thawing.

Conclusion

As you savor the delightful aroma of toasted pecans and vanilla wafting through your kitchen, take a moment to appreciate the simple joy of baking these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. The nostalgia and warmth these cookies bring are not just in their taste but in the memories they create. Whether you’re baking them for loved ones or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a celebration of tradition and delicious simplicity.

So, gather your ingredients and let the magic of these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies fill your home with holiday cheer. Share them with friends and family, package them up as thoughtful gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cozy drink by the fireside. Embrace the season with these classic treats that never fail to bring smiles and warmth wherever they go. Happy baking!