Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Favorite

 Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – A Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Favorite

If you're looking for the perfect holiday cookie that's simple to make, visually stunning, and absolutely irresistible, look no further than Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These classic treats — also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or simply Snowballs — are tender, buttery, and delicately sweet, with a rich, nutty crunch from finely chopped pecans.

What makes these cookies truly magical? The powdered sugar coating, which gives them their snowball-like appearance and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's adored by kids and adults alike. Whether you're baking for a festive gathering, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, these easy pecan snowball cookies will steal the show.

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🧾 Ingredients & Why They Matter

To make these divine Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you only need a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a critical role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

The backbone of the dough, all-purpose flour provides the structure needed to hold the cookies together while still allowing a tender, crumbly bite.

½ cup powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

Used in the dough, powdered sugar dissolves easily, contributing to a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Unlike granulated sugar, it doesn’t add grit.

Pinch of salt

Just a small amount balances the sweetness and enhances the rich, buttery flavor.

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature

Butter is the star of this recipe. It provides moisture, richness, and that signature shortbread-like crumb. Room temperature butter ensures smooth blending.

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Adds warmth and depth, enhancing both the nuttiness of the pecans and the richness of the butter.

1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Pecans offer a sweet, slightly buttery flavor and a soft crunch. Chopping them finely ensures an even distribution throughout the cookies.

1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

This is the “snow” on your snowball! Tossing the cookies in powdered sugar after baking creates a beautiful, festive finish and extra sweetness.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth, light, and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, giving the cookies their soft texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract. This infuses the dough with subtle, sweet aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and the finely chopped pecans. Stir until everything is well incorporated and a soft dough forms. The dough may feel crumbly at first — keep mixing until it comes together.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls (you should get about 36). Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just turning golden. The tops should remain pale — this keeps the texture soft and tender.

Step 7: Cool and Sugar-Coat

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, roll them generously in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar. For an extra snowy look, roll them a second time just before serving.

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🌟 Why This Recipe Is Loved

No eggs — making them perfect for those with egg allergies or preferences.

Ultra-buttery flavor — thanks to the high butter content.

Festive appearance — a favorite on holiday trays.

Melt-in-your-mouth texture — unlike any other cookie.

Nutty crunch — perfectly balanced by the smooth powdered sugar.

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🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies

Use room temperature butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, while melted butter will make the dough greasy.

Don’t overbake: These cookies should be pale on top with lightly golden bottoms. Overbaking makes them dry.

Chop pecans finely: Large chunks make the cookies harder to roll and bake unevenly.

Double sugar coat: For the best snowy finish, roll once when warm and again when cool.

Freeze the dough: You can make and freeze the dough balls in advance. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies pair perfectly with:

A mug of hot cocoa, chai latte, or freshly brewed coffee

A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast

A holiday cookie platter alongside gingerbread, shortbread, and peppermint bark

Gift boxes — wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon for homemade holiday presents

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🎯 Final Thoughts

These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the epitome of simple, elegant baking. With their rich buttery flavor, delicate crumb, and snowy sugar coating, they’ll disappear from the plate faster than you can make a second batch. Whether you're baking with kids, hosting a party, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers consistent, crave-worthy results every time.

✨ So don’t wait for the holidays — whip up a batch of these easy pecan snowball cookies today, and experience why they’ve stood the test of time.

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Ready to bake

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