Snowball Cookies Holiday Pecan (Printer-Friendly Version)

Buttery pecan snowballs dusted in sugar create melt-in-your-mouth cookies perfect for any festive occasion.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 1 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
03 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
04 - 2 1/4 cups (270 grams) all-purpose flour
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 1/4 cups (140 grams) pecans, finely chopped and toasted

→ Finishing

07 - 1 1/4 cups (150 grams) powdered sugar, for rolling

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Distribute pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 6 minutes, stirring once halfway. Allow to cool. Transfer 1 cup of the pecans to a food processor and pulse until finely ground, then coarsely chop remaining pecans. Combine all in a bowl.
03 - Add all-purpose flour and salt to the toasted pecans. Stir until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Set aside.
04 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping sides halfway. Add vanilla and blend until combined.
05 - Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add pecan-flour mixture until a soft dough forms, about 30 seconds. Do not overmix.
06 - Portion dough using a 1-tablespoon scoop and roll into balls. Arrange on prepared baking sheets, spacing each 1 inch apart. Approximately 40 cookies in total.
07 - Bake one sheet at a time for 18 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until cookies are lightly golden underneath.
08 - Let cookies cool on sheet for 5 minutes. While warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar to coat, then transfer to wire rack. Once cooled, roll again or dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - For best results, avoid overmixing the dough and ensure pecans are fully cooled before adding.
02 - Cookies may be frozen uncoated and dusted with powdered sugar just before serving.

Go Back