Description
Indulge in the delightful charm of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, a classic treat beloved for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor. These cookies, rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, are perfect for festive gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply as a sweet indulgence any time of year. Discover how easy it is to bake these cookies and customize them with various flavors and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Mix and Blend
- Cream the softened butter and powdered sugar in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Add salt, vanilla extract, flour, and finely chopped pecans. Mix on low speed until combined.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them a few inches apart on parchment-covered baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 11 minutes, ensuring not to overbake. Cookies should be lightly golden.
Step 4: Coat with Sweetness
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Place powdered sugar in a large Ziploc bag or wide bowl. Gently coat 3 to 4 cookies at a time, shaking off excess sugar using a fork.
- Transfer coated cookies to cooling racks and let them cool completely before rolling each one again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: Arrange Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies on a decorative platter or in a holiday-themed tin for a charming presentation.
- Pairing: Serve with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to complement the buttery flavor and powdered sugar coating.
- Gift Idea: Package cookies in festive bags or boxes tied with ribbons for thoughtful homemade gifts during holidays or special occasions.
- Variation: For added flair, dust cookies with flavored powdered sugars like cinnamon or cocoa powder for a twist on the classic recipe.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freeze cookies (without powdered sugar coating) in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and coat with powdered sugar before serving.
- Avoid Moisture: Keep cookies away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their texture and flavor.
- Refreshing: Before serving leftovers, lightly dust with additional powdered sugar for a fresh, snowy appearance.
By following these tips, you can ensure your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies remain fresh and delightful for enjoying or sharing with loved ones.
