Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines the rich flavor of butter with the crunch of toasted pecans. These classic cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply indulging in a sweet, nutty snack. With their soft texture and snowy powdered sugar coating, they are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream the butter mixture: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt until well combined and smooth.
3. Add the pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans to the dough, mixing until evenly distributed.
4. Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
5. Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned and the cookies are firm.
6. Cool slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
7. Dust with powdered sugar: While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar.
8. Cool completely: Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar once more for a snowy, festive effect.
9. Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 22-25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Different Nuts: Swap the pecans for other nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
• Coconut Snowball Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut along with the pecans for a tropical variation.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will keep fresh and soft for several days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well. After rolling them in powdered sugar, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: You can gently warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes if desired, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
   While margarine can be substituted, butter gives these cookies a richer flavor and a better texture.
2. Can I use pre-chopped pecans?
   Yes, pre-chopped pecans are fine. Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces to ensure they distribute evenly in the dough.
3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
   Yes, you can roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Since this recipe doesn’t use flour, it’s naturally gluten-free.
5. Can I make the cookies without nuts?
   Absolutely! If you prefer, you can skip the pecans and make a simpler snowball cookie. You can also substitute the nuts with raisins or chocolate chips if desired.
6. Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
   Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re warm helps the sugar adhere, while the second coating once the cookies cool gives them a beautiful snowy effect.
7. What other flavors can I add to the dough?
   You can add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract for additional flavor.
8. What’s the best way to store these cookies to keep them soft?
   Store them in an airtight container or a tin with a slice of bread to keep them soft and fresh.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets for even baking.
10. How do I know when the cookies are done?
    The cookies should be lightly browned on the bottom. They will firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.

Conclusion

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, buttery goodness and crunchy, nutty flavor. With their simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies are a fantastic addition to any holiday treat tray or a sweet indulgence for any occasion. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy appearance as they bring warmth and cheer to your home.

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