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Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies Melt-In-Your-Mouth Holiday Perfection

These Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery, nutty, and wrapped in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. With toasted pecans mixed into a rich buttery dough, each cookie melts in your mouth like a warm winter dream. They’re classic, elegant, and incredibly simple — a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. If you want a cookie that feels nostalgic, cozy, and full of holiday warmth, these snowballs are the one. Delicious in Christmas gift tins, festive cookie boxes, or served with hot cocoa and coffee — they never fail to impress.
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup chopped pecans toasted for best flavor
Coating
  • Extra powdered sugar for rolling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Skillet (to toast pecans)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Step 2: Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
      Step 3: In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
        Step 4: Add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
          Step 5: Fold the toasted pecans into the dough.
            Step 6: Roll dough into 1-tablespoon balls and place them on the baking sheet.
              Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
                Step 8: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.
                  Step 9: Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar for the classic snowy coating.

                    Notes

                    🧊 Storage & Reheating
                    Room Temperature
                    Store in an airtight container for 7–10 days.
                    Freezer
                    Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
                    Reheat
                    Warm for 5–7 seconds for extra softness.
                    🥄 Variations
                    ⭐ Maple Pecan Snowballs
                    Add ½ tsp maple extract.
                    ⭐ Chocolate Pecan Snowballs
                    Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
                    ⭐ Coconut Pecan Snowballs
                    Add ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut.
                    ⭐ Brown Butter Snowballs
                    Brown the butter first for deeper nutty flavor.
                    ⭐ Vegan Version
                    Use dairy-free butter and powdered sugar.
                    ❓ 10 FAQs
                    1. Do I need to toast the pecans?
                    Toasting brings out the best flavor — highly recommended.
                    2. Can I use salted butter?
                    Yes — reduce added salt by half.
                    3. Why roll twice in powdered sugar?
                    For the classic snowy thick coating.
                    4. Why are my cookies crumbly?
                    Add 1–2 teaspoons butter if the dough is too dry.
                    5. Can I make them gluten-free?
                    Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
                    6. Can I prepare the dough ahead?
                    Yes — chill up to 48 hours.
                    7. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
                    Yes — walnuts work well too.
                    8. Do these cookies spread?
                    No — they keep their snowball shape.
                    9. How do I keep them soft?
                    Store in an airtight container.
                    10. Can I freeze the dough?
                    Yes — freeze dough balls and bake later.
                    🏁 Conclusion
                    These Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies are rich, nutty, buttery, and absolutely melt in your mouth. With toasted pecans and a snowy powdered sugar finish, they bring warmth and elegance to your holiday baking. They’re simple, festive, and guaranteed to become a beloved Christmas tradition.