Name: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened); ½ cup sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla; 1 ¾ cups flour; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup pecans (chopped, toasted); Powdered sugar (for rolling)

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Introduction

Some recipes feel like they carry holiday magic in every bite, and Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are exactly that. Tiny, round, and dusted with powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs and melt in your mouth with buttery, nutty perfection.

I still remember the first time I had one at my grandmother’s house during Christmas. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of toasted pecans and vanilla, and when she handed me a warm cookie coated in sugar, it was love at first bite. These cookies weren’t overly sweet, just delicately balanced, with a crunch from the pecans and a texture so tender it crumbled instantly.

Over the years, I’ve baked them for holiday cookie swaps, tea parties, and cozy family weekends. They’re elegant yet simple to make, using just a few pantry staples. And like other timeless classics—such as this Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake—they always impress at the table.

If you’re looking for a treat that brings together tradition, flavor, and simplicity, these cookies will win you over every single time.

Ingredients – Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)
Powdered sugar, for rolling

Pro Tip: Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty richness and makes the cookies extra flavorful.

Directions – How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Step 1 – Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using raw pecans, toast them in a dry skillet for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Cool completely before chopping.

Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy (2–3 minutes).

Step 3 – Add Egg Yolk & Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla until fully incorporated.

Step 4 – Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk flour and salt in a separate bowl, then slowly add to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 5 – Fold in Pecans

Gently stir in chopped pecans. Dough should be buttery and slightly crumbly.

Step 6 – Shape the Cookies

Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into smooth balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

Step 7 – Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until bottoms are golden but tops remain pale.

Step 8 – Roll in Powdered Sugar

While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 9 – Second Sugar Roll

Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for the perfect snowball finish.

Tips & Variations

Nut Swap: Try walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds.
Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips.
Spiced Version: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg.
Festive Look: Use colored sanding sugar for holidays.
Gluten-Free: Swap flour with a gluten-free blend.

If you enjoy cozy sweets, pair these with Lemon Cream Cake for a festive dessert spread.

Storage

Room Temperature: Airtight container, up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Up to 7 days (slightly firmer).
Freezer: Freeze for 2 months. Re-roll in powdered sugar after thawing.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies

Tools Used

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixer (hand or stand)
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let sit at room temp before shaping.

Q2: Why are my cookies falling apart?
It may be due to too much flour. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level off instead of scooping.

Final Thoughts – Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

The Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is a holiday treasure that never disappoints. Sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth, they’re perfect for Christmas, weddings, or simple family gatherings.

Pair them with savory comfort foods like Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings or Creamy Mushroom Soup to balance the meal. And for even more dessert inspiration, explore Delish’s cookie collection or AllRecipes’ top-rated holiday cookies.