Description
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are buttery shortbread treats filled with finely chopped pecans and coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or as a delightful gift. Easy to make and full of flavor, they are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the water and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then roll them in confectioners’ sugar while still warm.
- Once fully cooled, roll in powdered sugar again for a generous coating.
Notes
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 48 cookies
- Calories: 115 kcal (approx. per cookie)