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Introduction
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat that is beloved for their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate nutty flavor.
Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these delightful little cookies are made with a buttery dough packed with finely chopped pecans and then rolled in powdered sugar to create their signature snowball appearance.
The simplicity of the ingredients highlights the buttery flavor, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch.
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a cozy winter day.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
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Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Stir in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the dough firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Shape the Cookies:
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Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies should remain pale on top.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Roll in Powdered Sugar:
While the cookies are still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy coating.
Serve:
Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and serve. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for holiday gift-giving.
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Conclusion
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a timeless holiday treat that brings joy to both bakers and cookie lovers alike.
Their tender, crumbly texture and rich, nutty flavor make them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray.
The double coating of powdered sugar gives them a beautiful, snow-covered appearance that’s just right for the season.
Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite tradition year after year.
Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking and indulging in these delightful treats, and let them bring a little extra sweetness to your holidays!