Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

 

❄️ Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: A Classic Holiday Favorite That Melts in Your Mouth

Some cookies just feel like home — and these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are one of them. Rich, nutty, tender, and dusted in sweet powdered sugar, these bite-sized classics are a must-have for the holidays… or any time you need a little comfort in cookie form.

Also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Butterballs, these cookies go by many names, but they all have one thing in common: they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

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🧈 Why You’ll Love These Cookies

• ✅ Buttery, tender texture that crumbles perfectly

• ✅ Packed with toasted pecans for rich, nutty flavor

• ✅ Only a few simple pantry ingredients

• ✅ No eggs needed

• ✅ Perfect for gifting, freezing, or holiday cookie trays

Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas cookie exchange, a winter wedding, or just your own afternoon tea, these cookies are simple to make and impossible to resist.

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🛒 Ingredients

You only need 6 basic ingredients to make these classic cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted for extra flavor

🌰 Pro tip: Toasting the pecans before adding them gives the cookies a deeper, nuttier flavor.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Toast the pecans (optional but recommended)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant. Let cool.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients
Stir in flour and salt until just combined, then fold in the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Chill the dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading and improves texture.

Step 5: Shape and bake
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.

Step 6: Sugar coating
Let cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cooled, roll again for that classic snowball finish.

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🍪 Storage & Gifting Tips

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully — both the baked cookies and unbaked dough balls.

• Gifting: Package in festive tins or cellophane bags with a ribbon — they travel well and stay fresh for days.

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🎄 Perfect for the Holidays (and Beyond)

These cookies have been a holiday staple for generations. Their delicate, crumbly texture and snow-dusted appearance make them a winter wonderland favorite. But truth be told — they’re just as delicious any time of year.

Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They’re elegant enough for a cookie platter and simple enough for a Tuesday afternoon treat.

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💬 Final Thoughts

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. Made with love, a few basic ingredients, and a generous dusting of sugar, they’ll bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering.

Bake a batch, share with friends, or tuck a few away for yourself — no judgment here. 😉