Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and powdered sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add the flour and salt to the bowl, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to shape the cookies and prevents spreading.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon) and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
Step 3: Coat in Powdered Sugar
- Cool and Roll: Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. The sugar will melt slightly, creating a sweet coating.
- Double Coat: Once the cookies have completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy look and sweetness.
Tips for the Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Finely Chop Pecans: For the best texture, chop the pecans finely. Larger chunks may cause the cookies to break.
- Don’t Over-Bake: These cookies are delicate, so keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking. They should be light in color, with only the bottoms turning golden.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They taste even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat with a perfect balance of rich buttery flavor, nutty pecans, and a sweet powdered sugar coating. With their delicate texture and melt-in-your-mouth quality, they’re a favorite that you’ll want to bake every holiday season. Enjoy!