Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Treats

There’s something magical about Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies—those perfectly round, nutty, and tender cookies that practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a comforting treat, these cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Rich with buttery flavor and lightly toasted pecans, they’re coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar, creating the classic snowball look that’s as delightful to see as it is to eat.

These cookies are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and they don’t require fancy equipment or complex techniques. The recipe balances buttery richness with a tender, crumbly texture, and the pecans add a satisfying crunch. Plus, they keep well, making them ideal for holiday gifting or making ahead for cookie swaps.

By following simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can bake a batch of these melt-in-your-mouth delights in no time. In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes these cookies special, ingredient tips, step-by-step instructions, storage advice, and even creative variations so you can customize them to your taste. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of buttery pecans and sweet powdered sugar.

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What Makes These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Special?

• Rich, buttery flavor: Every bite is filled with the comforting taste of real butter, giving these cookies their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Perfectly crumbly texture: The cookies are tender and delicate without falling apart, a hallmark of a great snowball cookie.

• Crunchy toasted pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet yields professional-tasting cookies.

• Make-ahead friendly: These cookies store beautifully, making them perfect for gifts, cookie swaps, or prepping for holiday parties.

Tip: Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar ensures that iconic snowball coating, giving them a festive, snowy appearance.

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Ingredient Notes

• Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and tender texture. Room temperature butter is best for creaming. You can substitute with salted butter but reduce added salt slightly.

• Powdered sugar: Used for coating and a touch in the dough. Sift before using to avoid lumps.

• All-purpose flour: Gives structure. For a slightly softer cookie, replace 1/4 cup with cornstarch.

• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances sweetness. Pure vanilla extract is preferred.

• Pecans: Key flavor component. Toasting them brings out their nuttiness. Chopped pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds.

• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor. Essential even with salted butter.

Optional equipment: baking sheets lined with parchment paper, cooling racks, and a small bowl for powdered sugar coating.

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How To Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 12–15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Yield: 24 cookies

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Toast 1 cup of chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until fragrant (watch closely to avoid burning).

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup room temperature butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

2. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing until combined.

3. Gradually fold in 2 cups all-purpose flour until just combined.

4. Stir in the toasted pecans gently to maintain texture.

Tip: Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and crumbly.

Step 3: Shape Cookies

1. Scoop dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop or tablespoon.

2. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Slightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand for even baking.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just set, but the centers remain soft. The cookies may look underbaked—this is perfect for a tender texture.

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Coat in Powdered Sugar

• Place 1 cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.

• Roll each warm cookie in sugar until fully coated.

• Allow cookies to cool completely, then roll again in powdered sugar for that signature snowball effect.

Tip: Rolling twice ensures a thick, snowy coating that sticks well.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep cookies separated with wax paper to prevent sticking.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Let cookies come to room temperature before serving.

• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Roll in powdered sugar after thawing if needed.

• Reheating: Serve at room temperature. For a fresh-out-of-oven taste, warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Chocolate-dipped: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate and let set for a decadent twist.

• Nut swaps: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.

• Spice it up: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm flavor.

• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

• Mini snowballs: Make smaller 1/2-inch balls for bite-sized treats perfect for holiday platters.

Seasonal tip: Decorate with festive sprinkles or colored sugar for holidays.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Bring to room temperature slightly before scooping.

2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce added salt by half to avoid oversalting.

3. My cookies spread too much—what happened?
Over-soft butter or too much creaming can cause spreading. Chill dough 10 minutes before baking if needed.

4. Can I freeze unbaked cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze scooped dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen with an extra 2–3 minutes.

5. How do I prevent powdered sugar from clumping?
Sift powdered sugar before rolling cookies and roll them when cookies are still slightly warm.

6. Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, omit the pecans and increase flour slightly. Optionally, add mini chocolate chips for flavor and texture.

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Conclusion

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat that everyone will love. With a simple recipe, buttery richness, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or a cozy afternoon treat. Don’t hesitate to try variations, make them ahead, and experiment with different coatings. Once you taste that tender, nutty, snowy bite, you’ll understand why these cookies are a classic favorite. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and create your batch of buttery magic—then share your results with friends and family!

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