Easy Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe

If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s so simple yet so delicious, you’re going to adore this Easy Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe. I absolutely love how these little balls of buttery goodness come together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss. They’re perfect for holiday baking, gift-giving, or just satisfying your sweet tooth on any given day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make these cozy cookies again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these easy snowball cookies, you’ll gather ingredients that come together beautifully to create that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty richness. Here’s a quick heads-up on what to look for with each ingredient to get the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a creamier dough.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This is the key for that delicate sweetness and that snowball “powdered sugar” coating effect.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor—don’t skip it!
• All-Purpose Flour: Spoon and level when measuring to avoid dense cookies.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness, it enhances all the other flavors.
• Chopped and Toasted Pecans (optional): Toasting really amps up their nuttiness—I love this trick to get that extra flavor punch.

Variations

I love that this Easy Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe is so versatile. Once I got comfortable with the classic version, I started experimenting a bit—and you totally should too! The cookie dough is forgiving, so don’t be shy about adding your own spin.

• Nut Swap: I once swapped pecans for finely chopped walnuts, and it was just as heavenly—try whatever nut you prefer or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
• Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or even ground cardamom can bring a lovely warmth that pairs beautifully with the butter and vanilla.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, stir in mini chocolate chips before chilling the dough; my family goes crazy for this sweeter, chocolatey variation.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve used a gluten-free all-purpose blend with great results, just watch the texture a bit and add a smidge more flour if it feels too sticky.

How to Make Easy Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start off by beating your softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. It takes about a minute on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and dreamy. Scrape down the sides of your bowl so everything combines evenly—this step makes all the difference.

Step 2: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt

Next, beat in the vanilla extract until it’s evenly mixed in. Then, switch your mixer to low speed and slowly add the flour and salt. Don’t worry if it looks dry or crumbly at first—that’s totally normal! Once all the flour is incorporated, crank your mixer up to high speed; the dough will magically come together into a smooth, cohesive ball.

Step 3: Stir in the Toasted Pecans

Now for the optional but oh-so-worth-it step—fold in your finely chopped and toasted pecans. Toasting nuts always amazes me because it brings out a deeper nuttiness that really elevates these snowball cookies from good to unforgettable.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough tightly and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you’re planning ahead, chilling up to 3 days is super convenient. Just remember, if it’s been in the fridge a while, let the dough warm up at room temperature for 30 minutes before you start rolling—it makes shaping so much easier.

Step 5: Roll Into Balls and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop or roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into smooth balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the trays. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a light golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are just barely browned.

Step 6: Coat with Confectioners’ Sugar

After baking, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes right on the baking sheet. Then, gently roll them in the confectioners’ sugar to coat. This first coating might look a bit sticky as the sugar melts slightly—totally normal! Once they are fully cooled on wire racks, roll them again in the sugar for that classic snowy finish. That’s the magic moment when the sugar really sticks and looks gorgeous.

How to Serve Easy Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with these cookies, but if I’m feeling festive, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra cinnamon powder on top of the final sugar coating. It adds a little aroma and warmth without overpowering the nutty, buttery flavor that makes these cookies so special.

Side Dishes

These snowball cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a cozy mug of hot chocolate—perfect for afternoon snacking or as a sweet finish to holiday meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I like to arrange these cookies in pretty holiday tins lined with parchment and tied with a ribbon. They also look adorable stacked in clear jars layered with colorful ribbons. For parties, presenting them on tiered dessert trays with fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary makes them feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh and tender for up to a week. I’ve found that keeping a layer of parchment between the cookies helps prevent sticking, especially since sugar coatings can be sticky.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I recommend freezing them uncoated (just the baked cookies) in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. This way, they don’t stick together. You can thaw and then roll in confectioners’ sugar for that fresh sugar coating anytime.

Reheating

I usually enjoy these cookies at room temperature, but if I want to warm them up just a bit, I pop a couple in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or they soften too much and lose their perfect crumbly texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I used to struggle with finding a reliable snowball cookie recipe that wasn’t fussy or overly complicated, and discovering this Easy Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe was a total game-changer for me. It’s one of those recipes that feels classic and comforting every single time. Whether you’re baking for a party, a gift, or just to treat yourself, these cookies never disappoint—they’re buttery, tender, and perfectly nutty. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be proud to share these little snowballs of joy with everyone around you.

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