Introduction
Few cookies say “holiday season” quite like Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These soft, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth treats are rolled in powdered sugar for that classic snowy look — perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, winter gatherings, or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee.
Made with butter, pecans, and vanilla, these cookies are delightfully simple yet taste like pure nostalgia. Their crumbly, tender texture and sweet coating make them a crowd favorite — and the best part? They’re ready in under 30 minutes!
If you love easy holiday cookies that look festive and taste incredible, this recipe will become one of your go-to classics.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Buttery, crumbly, and light.
- Quick and easy: Only 6 ingredients and under 30 minutes!
- Perfectly festive: Powdered sugar gives them a snowy, Christmas-ready finish.
- Make-ahead friendly: Store or freeze for weeks without losing flavor.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, swap nuts, or drizzle with white chocolate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (226 g) | Softened to room temperature |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup (60 g) + extra | For rolling cookies |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups (240 g) | Spoon and level for accuracy |
| Finely chopped pecans | 1 cup (120 g) | Toast lightly for more flavor |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Adds warmth and sweetness |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances the sweetness |
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Parchment-lined baking sheets
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack for cooling
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2 – Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until smooth.
Tip: Properly softened butter ensures the cookies stay soft and delicate.
Step 3 – Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans to the butter mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms — it may look crumbly at first, but it will come together as you mix.
Step 4 – Shape the Cookies
Roll dough into 1-inch balls (about 1 tablespoon each). Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just turning golden. Do not overbake — the cookies should remain pale on top.
Step 6 – First Sugar Coating
Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar to create the first “snowy” layer.
Step 7 – Cool and Roll Again
Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them a second time in powdered sugar for that thick, beautiful snowball finish.
Step 8 – Serve and Enjoy
Arrange on a festive plate, dust with a little extra powdered sugar, and serve. These cookies are irresistible with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee!
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Toasted pecans: For extra depth of flavor, toast pecans in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes before chopping.
- Uniform cookies: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized balls.
- Double coating: The two rounds of powdered sugar give that perfect festive snow look and a melt-away texture.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Almond Snowballs: Swap pecans for finely chopped almonds or walnuts.
- Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Mix cinnamon into the powdered sugar for a warm spice kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Ideas
- Holiday Cookie Trays: Combine with gingerbread, shortbread, and sugar cookies.
- Gift Giving: Package in tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present.
- After-Dinner Treat: Pair with espresso or mulled wine for a cozy dessert moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did my snowball cookies flatten?
That usually happens when the butter is too soft or the dough is too warm. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.
2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes — just omit the added salt in the recipe.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Roll the dough into balls, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.
4. Why roll them twice in powdered sugar?
The first coating helps the sugar stick; the second adds that snowy, powdery finish we all love.
5. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze the shaped dough balls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Yield: 24 cookies | Serving size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Final Thoughts
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. With just a few ingredients, you can create cookies that are tender, buttery, and irresistibly festive.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, sharing gifts, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies deliver every single time. Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re called “melt-in-your-mouth perfection.”