Description
These classic Pecan Snowballs are a delightful holiday treat featuring a buttery, shortbread-like texture and a double coating of powdered sugar. Perfectly balanced with toasted pecans and warm vanilla, they melt in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, very finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in the flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt until just combined and a stiff dough forms.
- Roll small portions of dough into walnut-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned but the tops remain pale.
- Let the cookies sit for a few minutes to firm up, then gently roll the warm cookies in the remaining 1/3 cup of confectioners’ sugar.
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in the sugar a second time for a thick, snowy finish.
Notes
To ensure the most tender texture, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature before starting and avoid over-mixing the dough once the flour is added. Toasting your pecans for 5-7 minutes in the oven before chopping them will significantly enhance the depth of flavor in the finished cookie.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American