Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This will ensure that your cookies bake evenly and develop a lovely golden color.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend these ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
• Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing continuously until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky, making it easy to handle and shape.

Step 3: Incorporate the Pecans

• Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans. The pecans should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, ensuring that each cookie has a good amount of nutty crunch.
• If the dough feels too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to shape into balls.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

• Wet your hands slightly to prevent the dough from sticking. Form the dough into 36 evenly sized balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.
• Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are spaced about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the bottoms to be just lightly golden while the tops remain pale.
• Baking them for too long can result in dry cookies, so remove them from the oven as soon as they show a hint of color on the bottoms.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies

• Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is essential for maintaining their delicate texture and preventing them from breaking apart.

Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar

• Once the cookies have cooled, place the remaining cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
• Roll each cookie in the powdered sugar, coating them thoroughly. This not only adds a delightful sweetness but also gives the cookies their characteristic “snowball” appearance.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

• Arrange the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies on a serving platter and enjoy! They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.

Tips and Variations:

• Nut Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, you can substitute them with finely chopped walnuts or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Double Rolling: For an extra snowy appearance, you can roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time once they have completely cooled. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can last for up to a week and actually taste even better a day or two after baking, as the flavors have more time to meld.

Final Thoughts:

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor with the nutty goodness of pecans. They are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or just a simple snack, these cookies are sure to bring a touch of sweetness and joy to any occasion. Enjoy every bite of these delicious cookies!