Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Introduction: A Sweet Winter Classic

Few holiday treats can rival the melt-in-your-mouth perfection of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These delicate, dome-shaped cookies are dusted generously with powdered sugar, making them look like tiny snowballs straight from a winter wonderland. Every bite bursts with buttery richness and a toasty pecan crunch that feels both nostalgic and elegant. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a cozy winter evening, or simply to treat yourself, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies never disappoint.

Their charm lies not just in their taste but also in their simplicity. With minimal ingredients and an easy mixing process, even beginner bakers can create these impressive cookies. Imagine serving a plateful of snowy cookies beside a steaming cup of cocoa or gifting a festive tin full of them to a friend — instant joy guaranteed!

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies is that they rely on a few high-quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Here’s why this recipe stands out from others:

Butter is the backbone. The name says it all — butter gives these cookies their signature tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture. When creamed with powdered sugar, it creates a light, smooth base that ensures a delicate cookie rather than a dense one.

Toasted pecans bring depth. Toasting the pecans before mixing enhances their natural nutty flavor, adding warmth and complexity that raw nuts just can’t deliver. The finely chopped pecans also add a subtle crunch that balances the cookie’s soft interior.

Powdered sugar for both texture and finish. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar blends seamlessly with butter, giving the dough a silky consistency. Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar after baking adds a snowy, festive coating and extra sweetness.

No eggs, no problem. The absence of eggs gives Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies their signature shortbread-style crumble. This makes them tender, buttery, and perfectly crumbly — a hallmark of this classic cookie.

A short chill time. Briefly chilling the dough helps prevent spreading in the oven, ensuring that every cookie keeps its adorable round “snowball” shape.

Every detail in this recipe, from the butter’s temperature to the size of the pecan pieces, contributes to a cookie that’s light, nutty, and deliciously nostalgic.

What You’ll Need For This Recipe

To make the best Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a touch of care. Let’s break it down ingredient by ingredient:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter provides the signature richness and tender texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming. Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness.

½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling): Powdered sugar creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the dough and a snowy exterior once baked. Always sift it before use for smooth results.

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the butter and pecan flavors, adding warmth and a touch of sweetness.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The perfect base for structure. Measure accurately — too much flour will make the cookies dry.

¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the buttery flavor.

1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted: Pecans are the star ingredient. Toasting them for a few minutes in a skillet or oven intensifies their nutty aroma and gives the cookies a deep, satisfying flavor.

Equipment you’ll need:

Mixing bowl and hand mixer (or stand mixer)

Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula or wooden spoon

Cooling rack

Sifter or fine mesh sieve for the powdered sugar

How To Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for about 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway through. They should smell fragrant and turn slightly darker. Let them cool completely before using.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth, light, and fluffy. This process usually takes 2–3 minutes. The creaming step is essential for creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The aroma alone will tell you how delicious these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are going to be!

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. The dough will be thick but soft.

Step 5: Add Pecans

Fold in the toasted pecans with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 30–45 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Preheat the oven again to 350°F (175°C) if it’s cooled down. Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into smooth balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake — they should remain pale on top.

Step 9: Roll in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Roll Again

Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for that perfect snowball look.

And there you have it — a batch of irresistible Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies ready to impress!

Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success

Want to make your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies absolutely perfect every time? These tried-and-true tips guarantee success:

Don’t skip toasting the pecans. It’s a small step with big impact — toasted pecans have more depth and aroma.

Measure flour carefully. Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense dough.

Chill the dough. This prevents spreading and ensures round, compact cookies.

Handle the dough gently. Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined.

Roll twice in sugar. The double coating gives that snowy, bakery-quality finish.

Use high-quality vanilla extract. Real vanilla makes a big difference in flavor.

Try flavored variations. Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Add a touch of almond extract for a twist.

Store properly. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Make ahead. The dough can be chilled overnight or even frozen for future baking.

Add festive flair. Mix in a little cinnamon or dip half the cookie in melted white chocolate for an elegant holiday touch.

Every batch of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies you make can be a masterpiece with these small tweaks and attention to detail.

How To Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Serving Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies is all about presentation and timing. Here’s how to make them shine:

Holiday Platters: Arrange them on a red or gold tray dusted with extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Gift Boxes: Place them in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbon — they make perfect homemade gifts.

With Beverages: Pair with hot cocoa, eggnog, or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Dessert Tables: Add them to a cookie spread alongside gingerbread men, shortbread, and peppermint bark.

For Breakfast: (No judgment!) They go wonderfully with a morning latte.

The delicate sweetness and buttery aroma make these cookies ideal for every occasion — especially when you want to impress without stress.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some creative ways to enjoy your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies beyond the traditional plate presentation:

Snowball Sundaes: Crumble a few cookies over vanilla ice cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Holiday Trifle: Layer broken cookies with whipped cream and fruit for an easy no-bake dessert.

Cookie Sandwiches: Spread Nutella or buttercream between two cookies for a decadent treat.

Gift Idea: Pack a dozen cookies with a handwritten recipe card — a charming homemade holiday gift.

However you serve them, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies always bring comfort, nostalgia, and joy.

Time Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 30–45 minutes

Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

Cooling + Sugar Rolling: 10 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

That’s just over an hour from start to finish — a small effort for such a big reward!

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

There’s something timeless about Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. They’re humble yet elegant, simple yet full of flavor. The buttery base, the toasted pecans, and that snowy sugar coating create a treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. They evoke the cozy spirit of the holidays and the joy of sharing homemade sweets with loved ones.

Whether you bake them for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or quiet winter evenings, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies will always have a place at the table. Once you taste their tender, nutty, buttery magic, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved classic — and why one batch is never enough.