Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using raw pecans, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Let them cool before chopping.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter-sugar blend, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- While the cookies are still warm, carefully transfer them to a shallow dish filled with powdered sugar.
- Gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until coated completely. Allow them to cool completely before handling further.
Step 9: Serve
Once cooled, serve these delicate snowball cookies dusted with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for good measure.
Why These Cookies Are So Loved
The combination of rich butter, nutty pecans, and a light coating of powdered sugar creates a cookie that’s both elegant and comforting. Their crumbly texture and festive appearance make them perfect for gift-giving or enjoying by the fireside.
Tips for Success
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting enhances their natural flavor and adds depth to the cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stop mixing once the ingredients come together to avoid tough cookies.
- Double the Powdered Sugar Coating: For a more dramatic snowy effect, re-roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar after their initial coating.
- Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid refrigeration, which can harden the dough.
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are pure winter magic—simple to make yet utterly irresistible. With their buttery richness and crunchy pecan pieces, they’re sure to become a staple during the holidays or anytime you want to channel some cozy charm. So grab your butter, chop those pecans, and let the snowball fun begin!
Enjoy!