DESSERTS

Delicious Pecan Snowball Cookies for Every Celebration

by basmer

25 de November de 2025

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Pecan Snowball Cookies are delightful treats that capture the essence of the holidays with every bite. Their buttery, crumbly texture combined with the sweetness of powdered sugar creates a nostalgic flavor that warms the heart. These classic cookies utilize finely chopped pecans and a melt-in-your-mouth dough, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. Perfect for sharing, they are not just cookies; they are a tradition that brings back fond memories of festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Snowball Cookies

These cookies are truly a crowd-pleaser! Here are just a few reasons to love them:

They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for baking novices and seasoned pros alike.
Pecan snowballs are versatile—try variations like Pecan meltaways or even Pecan snowball cookies with chocolate chips.
The buttery taste and texture are reminiscent of Russian tea cakes and Mexican wedding cookies.
They are gluten-free pecan snowball cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
Perfect for the holidays, these cookies bring a festive spirit to any gathering.
They make for excellent gifts wrapped in beautiful packaging.
Each cookie is a delightful bite that is low in calories, allowing you to indulge guilt-free!

Ingredients for Pecan Snowball Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

How to Make Pecan Snowball Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating on low speed until just combined. Mix in the finely chopped pecans until evenly incorporated. Then increase the mixer speed to high and beat the dough for 2 minutes until it has a more breadcrumb-like texture.
Step 3: Line two half-sheet baking pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball using your hands. Place the balls about an inch apart on the baking sheets. Once full, transfer the sheets to the refrigerator and chill dough balls for one hour.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 15 to 18 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
Step 5: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar until completely coated. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool fully. Once cooled completely, roll the cookies again in confectioners’ sugar to achieve the classic snowball finish.

Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Snowball Cookies

Keep these in mind:

These cookies are great for sharing during the holidays.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
For an extra twist, try making Pecan butterballs or Pecan powder sugar cookies by adjusting the sugar content.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Best Ways to Serve Pecan Snowball Cookies

These cookies shine during festive gatherings. Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee, or package them beautifully for holiday gifts. For an extra touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful dessert experience.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Snowball Cookies

To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be kept for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. This method preserves their delightful texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Snowball Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Pecan Snowball Cookies?

The secret lies in the dough’s consistency; it should be crumbly yet able to hold together well. Using finely chopped pecans ensures even distribution of nutty flavor throughout the cookie.

Can I make Pecan Snowball Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it easy to have fresh cookies anytime during the holidays.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pecan Snowball Cookies?

One common mistake is overmixing the dough. Mix until just combined to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ensure you measure the flour accurately, too, as too much can make the cookies dry.

Variations of Pecan Snowball Cookies You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

For a chocolate twist, try Pecan snowball cookies with chocolate chips.
Make gluten-free pecan snowball cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
For a nut-free version, you can replace pecans with seeds, creating a unique and delicious alternative.

Delicious Pecan Snowball Cookies for Every Celebration - Pecan Snowball Cookies - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making gingerbread cookies for a festive treat. You can also explore cranberry orange pancakes for a delightful breakfast option.

For more information on the health benefits of nuts, visit Healthline.

Finally, if you’re looking for a unique twist, consider trying oatmeal chocolate chip cookies as a variation!

Delicious Pecan Snowball Cookies for Every Celebration

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully buttery and tender Pecan Snowball Cookies, perfectly crumbly and coated with a sweet layer of confectioners’ sugar. These classic holiday treats combine finely chopped pecans with a melt-in-your-mouth dough.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Cream the butter and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until fully incorporated. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating on low speed until just combined. Mix in the finely chopped pecans until evenly incorporated. Then increase the mixer speed to high and beat the dough for 2 minutes until it has a more breadcrumb-like texture.
Line two half sheet baking pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball using your hands. Place the balls about an inch apart on the baking sheets. Once full, transfer the sheets to the refrigerator and chill dough balls for one hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 15 to 18 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar until completely coated. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool fully. Once cooled completely, roll the cookies again in confectioners’ sugar.