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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats coated in a thick layer of powdered sugar. Featuring finely chopped pecans and a rich, buttery dough, these classic cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup pecans (or walnuts), finely chopped

Coating

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Add Flavorings and Flour: Mix in the salt and vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed, just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender. Then fold in the finely chopped pecans by hand.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
  5. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their delicate texture.
  6. First Sugar Coating: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar to coat them evenly.
  7. Cool and Second Sugar Coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a thick, snowy coating that defines these classic cookies.
  8. Serve: Enjoy your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies as a delightful treat with tea or coffee, or package them up as a special homemade gift.

Notes

  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
  • To finely chop nuts, pulse them in a food processor a few times, making sure not to turn them into nut butter.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar ensures a beautiful, snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
  • Letting cookies cool slightly before the first sugar coating prevents the sugar from melting completely into the warm cookie.

Keywords: pecan snowball cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies, nut cookies, powdered sugar cookies, melt-in-mouth cookies

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/buttery-pecan-snowball-cookies-recipe/