Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe – 24 Irresistible Holiday Treats

Introduction

Some recipes feel like they were made just to warm hearts and create memories. Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are exactly that—tiny, round, powdered sugar–coated treasures that bring back feelings of joy, family gatherings, and holiday traditions.

The first time I tasted these cookies was at my grandmother’s house during Christmas. The kitchen smelled of roasted pecans, butter, and vanilla. She handed me one little cookie still warm from the oven, rolled in a dusting of powdered sugar. As soon as I bit into it, it crumbled gently, coating my tongue with a nutty, buttery richness that was unlike anything else. They weren’t overly sweet—just perfectly balanced with a delicate crunch from pecans and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that made me immediately reach for another.

Since then, I’ve baked these snowball cookies for countless occasions—cookie swaps, tea parties, and especially during the holidays. They look elegant, taste divine, and are surprisingly simple to make with just a few pantry staples.

If you love nostalgic, comforting treats, you might also enjoy my Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake or the equally cozy Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings to balance sweet with savory.

Now, let’s dive into the magic of these timeless cookies.

Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Here’s everything you need to whip up these melt-in-your-mouth beauties:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Unsalted butter, softened	1 cup	Room temperature for best creaming
Granulated sugar	1/2 cup	Adds just the right sweetness
Large egg yolk	1	Helps bind and enrich flavor
Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	A warm, fragrant note
All-purpose flour	1 3/4 cups	Provides structure
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Balances sweetness
Finely chopped pecans	1 cup	Toasted for extra flavor
Powdered sugar	For rolling	Creates the iconic “snowball” look

Pro tip: Toasting the pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and makes the cookies even more irresistible.

Directions: How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you’re using raw pecans, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until they’re lightly golden and fragrant (about 5 minutes). Let them cool completely before chopping finely.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step creates the tender base for your snowballs.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolk & Vanilla

Mix in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 3/4 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in 1 cup finely chopped pecans. The dough will be buttery and slightly crumbly—perfect for shaping.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls between your palms. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Don’t overbake—they should stay tender.

Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar

While the cookies are still warm (but not too hot to handle), roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve

Once cooled, give them one more gentle roll in powdered sugar for that perfect snowball look. Serve with coffee, tea, or a holiday punch.

Tips & Variations for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Nutty Twist: Try swapping pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a nutty-chocolate combo.
Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced variation.
Festive Colors: Roll cookies in colored sanding sugar for holidays or themed parties.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

If you’re craving more holiday inspiration, these Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs bring the same joy, but in a savory bite-sized form.

Storage for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Lasts up to 7 days, though they may firm up slightly.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Roll again in powdered sugar after thawing to refresh the coating.

Time & Yield

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

Tools Used

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Electric mixer (hand or stand)
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before shaping.

Q2: Why are my cookies crumbly?

Snowball cookies are meant to be delicate, but if they’re falling apart, you may have added too much flour or not enough butter. Always measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off.

Final Thoughts

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are more than just a holiday classic—they’re bite-sized pieces of joy. With their buttery texture, nutty crunch, and snowy sugar coating, they’re the kind of treat that brings smiles and sweet memories.

Whether you serve them at Christmas, a wedding, or just a quiet weekend at home, these cookies will always feel special. They’re simple to make, elegant to serve, and utterly irresistible.

If you’re in the mood for more baking adventures, try this Pineapple Juice Cake for a tropical twist, or explore Delish’s cookie collection for endless dessert inspiration.