Pecan Snowball Cookies

These are my husband’s most favorite cookies. I make them every Christmas time and everyone always loves them. The buttery texture with the pecans is just perfect, and rolling them in powdered sugar twice gives them that pretty snowy look.

These simple cookies are easy to make and they freeze really well if you want to make them ahead. The key is rolling them in powdered sugar while they are still warm for the first coat, then again once they cool. That double coating gives them the classic cookie snowball look that is so pretty on a cookie tray. This recipe is a festive treat and a true recipe classic.

These pecan snowball cookies melt in your mouth and come together with just a few simple ingredients. They’re one of my family’s favorite holiday cookies and a Christmas recipe I make every single year.

Recipe Ingredients:

You’ll need the following ingredients to make snowball recipe cookies: 

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Finely chopped pecans- Regular or use toasted pecans for extra flavor!
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

Ingredient Notes:

• Butter: Make sure it is softened to room temperature so it creams properly with the sugar. Do not use melted butter. Softened butter gives these cookies the rich flavor and tender texture they are known for.
• Pecans: Finely chop them in a food processor, not too chunky or the cookies won’t hold together well. These are similar to a pecan sandies recipe.
• Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners’ sugar. You’ll need some for the dough and extra for rolling. Make sure you have plenty!
• Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor.
• Flour: Measure carefully! Too much flour makes them dry. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale for accuracy.

How to make Pecan Snowball Cookies Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Heat oven to 350°F Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In large bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar on medium speed with a hand mixer, or stand mixer with paddle attachment, until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. You can also use a hand mixer.

Step 3: Add vanilla extract and beat until combined.

Step 4: In medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

Step 5: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 6: Stir in chopped nuts.

Step 7: Roll dough into 1-inch cookie dough balls (use a small cookie scoop for even sizes) and place on prepared baking sheets in a single layer about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake 12-14 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale for best results.

Step 9: Let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes.

Step 10: While still warm, roll baked cookies in powdered sugar from a shallow bowl. Let cool completely on wire racks or cooling rack.

Step 11: Roll in powdered sugar a second time before serving to get that perfect coating on your finished cookies.

Storage and Reheating:

Storage: Store leftover snowball cookies in an airtight container (or wrap in plastic wrap) at room temperature for up to 1 week. These delicious treats keep well!

Reheating: These are meant to be eaten at room temperature, no reheating needed. Perfect with a pot of coffee! 

Freezing: These freeze great! Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls or baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and roll in fresh powdered sugar before serving.

Additions and Substitutions:

ADDITIONS:

• Almond Extract: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract along with the vanilla for extra flavor.
• Cinnamon: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
• Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrus twist.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of pecans. Similar to how you’d make other traditional cookie recipes.
• Butter: You can use salted butter and reduce the salt in the recipe.
• Flour: You can substitute up to half the flour with almond flour for extra nutty flavor.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar can replace regular sugar in the dough for a less refined option.

FAQs about these Snowball Cookies with Pecans:

Why are my cookies crumbly and falling apart? 

You might have overbaked them, or the dough wasn’t mixed enough. Make sure the butter is well incorporated and don’t over bake. Some crumbly texture is normal though!

What are snowball cookies made of?

Traditional snowball cookies use a simple mix of butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, and finely chopped pecans. This basic dough gives pecan snowballs their soft, melt in your mouth texture.

Are snowball cookies the same as Mexican wedding cookies?

Yes. Snowball cookies are also known as Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, Italian wedding cookies, and butter balls. They go by a variety of names, but the ingredients and texture are the same.

What is the secret to soft snowball cookies?

The secret is real butter and a gentle bake. Traditional snowball cookies should stay pale in the oven. If they bake until golden, they lose that soft center.

What makes snowball cookies unique?

Pecan snowballs have a tender, buttery texture that breaks apart easily and a powdered sugar coating that gives each bite a melt in your mouth finish. The finely chopped pecans add warm flavor that sets them apart from other cookies.