Discover the magic of snowball cookies with this easy recipe! These melt-in-your-mouth treats are a delightful blend of buttery goodness and powdered sugar. Perfect for holiday parties.
There’s something truly heartwarming about baking during the winter months, especially when it involves a recipe as classic and beloved as snowball cookies!
These little spheres of joy, dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, are not just cookies; they’re tiny, edible snow globes that bring the magic of winter right into your kitchen.
Let’s be honest, there’s something inherently fun about saying “I’m baking snowball cookies today.” It’s like inviting a piece of a winter wonderland into your home, minus the cold toes and wet mittens.
Plus, if you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that there’s something deeply satisfying about watching these cookies transform from simple ingredients into something that looks like it fell straight from a peaceful, snowy pine forest.
What I love most about this recipe is how it strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. As well as the pecan nuts!
The addition of pecans not only adds a wonderful texture, but also a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth nature of this cookie recipe.
Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a family gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself on a lazy winter afternoon, these pecan snowball cookies are sure to impress.
So get ready to bake some magic! These cookies are not just a treat for the palate; they’re a celebration of winter’s coziness. Let’s create some sweet memories, one cookie at a time.
Tips for Making the Best Pecan Snowball Cookies
Before you dive into this recipe, I’ve got some tips for you on making the best (and tastiest) cookies. If you’re interested, check them out. Otherwise scroll to the bottom.
Use High Quality Butter
The flavor of snowball cookies heavily depends on the butter. Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best taste.
Chill the Dough
To prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
Gentle Mixing
Mix the dough gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Cool Before Coating
Let the cookies cool slightly after baking, but while they’re still warm, roll them in powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar adhere better.
Double Coating
For a beautiful snowy look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time after they’ve completely cooled.
Remember, practicing and experimenting will help you perfect your baking skills over time. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating delicious baked goods!
Here’s what you’re going to need for this snowball cookie recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Snowball cookie dough can be made up to three months ahead of time – freeze the dough in a tightly wrapped container.
These melt in your mouth! They’re just one of my favorite cookies ever.
Get the printable cookie recipe below:
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup pecans finely chopped
Instructions
- [mv_schema_meta name="Preheat the Oven"]Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Cream Butter and Powdered Sugar"]In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Mix Flour and Salt, Then Add"]In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. The dough should come together and be slightly sticky.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Fold in the Nuts"]Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You can use a spatula or your hands to incorporate the nuts.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Chill the Dough"]Add plastic wrap over the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes, minimum.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Roll the Dough into Balls"]Take about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Bake the Cookies"]Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops of the cookies should still be pale.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Remove Cookies and Roll in Powdered Sugar"]Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Place the sugar-coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
- [mv_schema_meta name="Roll Them a Second Time"]Once the cookies have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar once more for a second coating. This double coating gives them their snowy appearance.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed this Christmas cookie recipe, let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other cookie recipes:
Chocolate Chip Sandwich • Chocolate Crinkles • Chocolate Marshmallow • Chocolate Mint Sandwich • Chocolate Thumbprint • Christmas Butter • Christmas Linzer • Ginger Molasses • Grinch • Halloween M&M • Heath Bar • Nutella Stuffed • Oatmeal Cream Pies • Peanut Butter Blossoms • Peppermint Frosted • Red Velvet Thumbprint • Reese’s Pieces • Reindeer • Ritz S’mores • Rolo • Santa Cookies • Shortbread Tea • Snickers • Jam Thumbprints (Classic) • Vanilla • White Chocolate Cranberry