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Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

Delightfully buttery and nutty, Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats coated with a snowy layer of powdered sugar. These classic holiday cookies combine finely chopped pecans with extracts of vanilla and almond for a rich, aromatic flavor, baked to perfection for a crisp exterior and soft interior. Perfect for festive gatherings or a sweet everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Pecans (finely chopped)
  • 2 ¼ cups All purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp Almond extract
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (and more for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to fully preheat for even baking.
  2. Chop Pecans: Finely chop the pecans until they are small pieces, ensuring they evenly distribute in the dough.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt to combine.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar on medium speed until creamy and fluffy.
  5. Combine Dough: Lower mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, about half a cup at a time, blending until the mixture forms a cohesive, dough-like texture.
  6. Form Dough Balls: Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, portion dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball between your hands for a uniform shape.
  7. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place dough balls spaced about 1/2 to 1 inch apart, as the cookies will not spread much.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain tender.
  9. Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes until cool enough to handle.
  10. First Sugar Coating: Roll each warm cookie ball in powdered sugar thoroughly, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. Final Sugar Dusting: Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to create the classic snowball appearance.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Finely chopping the pecans helps them incorporate smoothly into the dough and provides even distribution of nutty flavor.
  • The cookies don’t spread much during baking, so spacing them close but not touching is key.
  • Double coating with powdered sugar after baking and cooling creates the signature snowy look and sweetness.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week for maximum freshness.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/pecan-snowball-cookies-recipe/