Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These nuts give the snowball cookies their signature nutty crunch.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball gently between your palms to smooth the edges.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart—they won’t spread much during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden. They should still be pale on top; overbaking will dry them out.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—this helps them firm up slightly before handling.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. For a thicker coating, you can repeat this step after the cookies have completely cooled. This double-dusting gives the cookies their signature “snowball” appearance.
Step 8: Serve or Store
Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy immediately with a hot cup of cocoa, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to three months.
Tips for the Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensures smooth creaming and a tender cookie.
- Chop Pecans Finely: Prevents large pieces from breaking the soft texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Snowball cookies should be tender, not crunchy.
- Double Dusting: For that magical snowy look, roll twice in powdered sugar.
- Flavor Variations: Swap pecans for walnuts, or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday flavor.
Conclusion
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a tradition, a little ball of joy that melts in your mouth and fills the kitchen with the smell of butter and nuts. With this step-by-step method, you can create cookies that are tender, rich, and perfectly coated in powdered sugar, making every bite a festive delight.
If you want, I can also make a shortened, easy-to-follow “quick recipe card” version of this so you can bake these cookies without reading the full article. Do you want me to do that?
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