Looking for a delectable treat that melts in your mouth with every bite? Look no further than Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These bite-sized delights are a perfect combination of buttery goodness and nutty pecans, coated with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with loved ones, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the simple yet sensational recipe!
Ingredients:
2 sticks of butter, softened
½ + 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour. Blend the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth dough consistency.
Gently fold the finely chopped pecans into the dough mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
With slightly wet hands to prevent sticking, roll the dough into 36 evenly sized balls.
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just starting to turn golden brown around the edges.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
While the cookies are cooling, pour the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl.
Once the cookies have cooled, gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated, creating a snowy effect.
Arrange the coated cookies on a serving platter and admire your handiwork.
Serve these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies alongside a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea, and indulge in their irresistible charm.
Enjoy the delicate crunch of the pecans, the buttery richness of the cookie, and the sweet dusting of powdered sugar with every heavenly bite.
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Serving Tips for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:
- Presentation is Key: After dusting the cookies with powdered sugar, arrange them aesthetically on a decorative platter or in a cookie jar. This enhances their snowy appearance, making them even more inviting.
- Pair with Beverages: Serve these cookies with warm beverages such as hot cocoa, coffee, or tea. The richness of the cookies complements the warmth and flavors of these drinks perfectly, offering a cozy and delightful experience.
- Room Temperature Serving: Ensure the cookies are at room temperature when served. This enhances their flavor and texture, making the buttery and nutty notes more pronounced.
- Dusting Before Serving: For an extra touch of elegance, give the cookies a fresh dusting of powdered sugar just before serving to ensure they look as irresistible as they taste.
Storage Tips for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:
- Airtight Containers: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Cool Before Storing: Wait until the cookies have completely cooled before storing them. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which could make the cookies soggy.
- Room Temperature Storage: These cookies are best stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. They can last for up to a week when stored properly.
- Freezing for Longevity: If you want to extend the shelf life of your cookies, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and dust with fresh powdered sugar for the best taste and appearance.
Enjoy your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with these serving and storage tips to ensure they remain as delightful as when first baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
While pecans contribute a distinctive flavor and texture to Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you can certainly experiment with other nuts if desired. Almonds, walnuts, or even hazelnuts can be used as alternatives. Just be sure to finely chop the nuts to ensure they blend seamlessly into the cookie dough.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the cookie dough, shape it into balls, and freeze them for later use. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Simply dust with powdered sugar before serving to refresh their appearance.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
One of the keys to preventing excessive spreading is to ensure that the butter is softened but not melted when preparing the dough. Additionally, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before shaping into balls can help firm it up and maintain its shape during baking. Keeping the cookies spaced apart on the baking sheet also allows for adequate airflow, resulting in uniform cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to make gluten-free Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, are also gluten-free. Additionally, consider using certified gluten-free pecans to avoid any potential cross-contamination. With these adjustments, you can enjoy the same delicious cookies while accommodating a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion:
With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these delightful cookies are guaranteed to satisfy. Share them with family and friends, or savor them all to yourself – either way, they’re bound to bring joy with every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the blissful delight of homemade Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies!
📖 Recipe
Print
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delectable delight of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, a treat that combines buttery goodness with the irresistible crunch of pecans. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy evening at home or a festive gathering with loved ones. With a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, they’re sure to melt in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
2 sticks of butter, softened
½ + 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add all-purpose flour, mixing until a dough forms.
- Fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using slightly wet hands, shape the dough into 36 evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Serve and enjoy the irresistible buttery pecan goodness!
Notes
For best results, ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect cookie texture.
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
