These melt-in-your-mouth pecan snowballs are a holiday classic—rich, nutty, and rolled in a double coat of powdered sugar for the perfect snowy finish. Simple to make yet irresistibly elegant!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Buttery & crumbly – Literally melts on your tongue
✅ Easy one-bowl recipe – No mixer needed!
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh for weeks
✅ Gift-worthy – Beautiful for cookie tins or holiday parties
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar + extra for coating
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (toast them for extra flavor!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
- In a bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla.
- Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until just combined (dough will be crumbly but hold when pressed).
- Fold in pecans.
3. Shape & Bake
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the sheet.
- Bake 10–12 mins until bottoms are lightly golden.
4. Sugar Coating
- Let cool 5 mins, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Once fully cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Pro Tips for Success
🌰 Toast the pecans – 350°F for 5-7 mins for deeper flavor
❄️ Use a sieve – For an even powdered sugar coating
🎁 Double the batch – These freeze beautifully!
FAQs
1. Can I use walnuts instead?
✅ Yes, but pecans are classic for their buttery taste.
2. Why are my cookies dry/crumbly?
- Overbaked – Pull out when bottoms just turn golden
- Too much flour – Measure with the spoon-and-level method
3. How long do these keep?
- Room temp: 2 weeks in an airtight container
- Freezer: 3 months (coat in sugar after thawing)
4. Can I make them gluten-free?
✅ Use 1:1 GF flour blend.
5. Why double sugar coating?
The first coat sticks to warm cookies; the second ensures a pristine snowy look.
Serving Suggestions
☕ Holiday tea time – Pair with spiced chai or cocoa
🎄 Cookie swaps – Package in cellophane with ribbon
🍦 Dessert twist – Crumble over vanilla ice cream
Final Thoughts
These Pecan Snowballs are holiday magic in cookie form—simple, nostalgic, and impossible to eat just one. Perfect for gifting or savoring by the fireplace!
What’s your favorite holiday cookie? Share below! 👇❄️
Happy Baking! 🎉🍪
#SnowballCookies #HolidayBaking #ChristmasCookies #EasyDesserts
