Description
These buttery Pecan Snowballs are a classic holiday treat featuring a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Coated twice in powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of nutty crunch and a sweet, snowy finish that stays soft for days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for dough)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until completely smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in the flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt until the dough is cohesive and pliable.
- Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, ensuring the bottoms are light golden brown while the tops remain pale.
- Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer to wire racks until warm.
- Roll the warm cookies in the remaining confectioners’ sugar to create a base coat, then let them cool completely.
- Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in the sugar a second time for a thick, snowy appearance.
Notes
To ensure the best texture, pulse your pecans in a food processor until they are a fine meal rather than large chunks. If your kitchen is particularly warm, chill the rolled dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their perfectly round shape.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American