When the holiday season rolls around, the scent of freshly baked goods fills the air, wrapping us in a warm embrace of nostalgia. Every bite of these Pecan Snowball Cookies transports me back to cozy gatherings, where laughter mingles with the sweet, buttery fragrance of holiday treats. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are more than just a festive indulgence; they embody the joy of sharing homemade delights with loved ones.
I stumbled upon this classic snowball cookies recipe during one of my many kitchen adventures, and it quickly became a staple for every holiday gathering. With just six simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will have friends and family reaching for seconds—maybe even thirds! The beauty lies not only in their charming appearance but also in the versatility of flavors: swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, and each bite can offer a delightful twist. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making these scrumptious little treasures that are destined to become a holiday favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Snowball Cookies Recipe
Easy to Follow: With only six ingredients, these snowball cookies are a breeze to make, perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Charming Presentation: Dusted with powdered sugar, they look as delightful as they taste, making them the ideal treat for holiday gifting and gatherings.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios without losing that signature melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Everyone loves these cookies; they are bound to disappear at parties, leaving behind nothing but smiles and requests for the recipe!
Make Ahead & Store: Prepare them in advance for stress-free entertaining; they store well and can even be frozen for later enjoyment.
For more cookie inspiration, check out our classic Christmas cookie recipes that will impress your holiday guests!
Snowball Cookies Recipe Ingredients
For the Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; should be cool but not refrigerator cold for optimal texture.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality; reserve some for rolling and coating.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses a fragrant depth of flavor; can be swapped with almond extract for a different taste.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; use kosher or sea salt for the best flavor.
• White Lily All-Purpose Flour – Creates a tender texture; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free snowball cookies recipe.
• Finely Chopped Pecans – Main flavor contributor; essential for texture; try walnuts or almonds for a delicious twist.
For Coating
• Additional Powdered Sugar – Use for rolling the cookies after baking; it gives that signature snowball appearance.
How to Make Snowball Cookies
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and helps your cookies achieve that perfect light golden color. Don’t forget to line your cookie sheet with parchment or a silicone mat!
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully combined.
Add Flour: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour into the mixture, stirring until a thick, cohesive dough forms. You may need to use your hands to knead it a little to bring it all together.
Fold in Pecans: Once your dough is mixed, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This will give your cookies that nutty flavor and delightful crunch!
Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon scoop, portion out the dough and roll it into uniform balls. If you want to keep them from spreading too much, pop them in the fridge for at least an hour.
Bake: Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown, but the tops should stay pale and soft.
Cool and Coat: After baking, let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before rolling them in powdered sugar. Allow them to cool completely before giving them a second coat of sugar for that perfect snowy finish.
Optional: For an extra touch, consider adding a splash of almond extract for a delightful twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious without losing that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze snowball cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Freeze them individually, then layer with parchment paper for easier access.
Reheating: Thaw frozen cookies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. Once thawed, roll them in powdered sugar again for that perfect snowy finish.
Making Ahead: Consider preparing the dough ahead of time; freeze it in ball shapes and bake fresh cookies whenever the craving strikes, ensuring every bite feels special and homemade!
Expert Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped snowball cookies.
• Measure Precisely: Accurate measurements are key! Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so consider spooning and leveling for best results.
• Bake Until Pale: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden on the bottoms while remaining pale on top to ensure a soft texture.
• Double Coat in Sugar: For that signature snowball look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once when warm, and again after they cool.
• Experiment with Nuts: While pecans are traditional, feel free to try walnuts or almonds—it gives your snowball cookies recipe a whole new flavor profile!
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for later enjoyment without losing flavor.
What to Serve with Pecan Snowball Cookies?
The sweetness and texture of these delightful treats make them perfect for a festive spread that warms the heart and fills the home with holiday cheer.
Festive Hot Chocolate: Thick and creamy, this drink will enhance the rich, buttery flavors of the cookies, creating a cozy contrast perfect for winter nights.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth creaminess of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully with the crumbly texture of snowball cookies, elevating the dessert experience.
Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced cider alongside your cookies for a fragrant, festive pairing that complements the nutty flavors and adds a seasonal touch.
Decaf Coffee: A cup of warm, rich coffee allows guests to enjoy the cookies at any time of day, providing a comforting balance to their sweetness.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These add a lively burst of color and tartness, making the flavors pop, while their elegance suits any holiday gathering beautifully.
Fruit Platter: A medley of fresh fruits like berries, oranges, and apples offers a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies, cutting through the richness with every bite.
Enjoy exploring these delicious pairings that make your snowball cookies recipe not just a treat, but part of a heartwarming festive feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Pecan Snowball Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply shape the cookie balls, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate. This chilling helps prevent spreading and keeps their delightful texture intact. For longer storage, you can freeze the shaped dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake directly from the fridge or freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have fresh, delicious snowball cookies ready to enjoy with minimal last-minute effort!
Snowball Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these snowball cookies; each variation adds a delightful twist for any occasion!
Nut Substitution: Swap out the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios to give your cookies a new flavor profile. Each nut adds a unique crunch and taste that’s worth trying.
Chocolate Delight: For chocolate lovers, add mini chocolate chips to the dough or place a Hershey’s kiss in the center of each cookie before baking. This indulgent twist transforms a classic into a chocolate dream.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, ensuring everyone at your gathering can enjoy these tasty treats without worry.
Coconut Accents: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist. This addition brings a lovely chewiness and pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor.
Spicy Kick: Try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice that’ll complement the sweetness and add a festive flair to your cookies.
Fruity Fusion: For a refreshing change, mix in some finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries to the dough. These fruity bites will surprise your taste buds with a tart contrast.
Roll in Sprinkles: Instead of powdered sugar, roll your cooled cookies in festive sprinkles for a colorful celebration touch. Perfect for parties or holiday gatherings!
Lemon Zest Burst: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus infusion. It brightens up the flavor and adds a lovely aromatic quality that’s delightful!
Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select pecans for this snowball cookies recipe?
Absolutely! Look for pecans that are fresh and free from dark spots or a rancid smell. For peak flavor, try to use pecans that are still in their shells if possible, or select pre-shelled nuts with a best-by date well into the future. Toasting them for 5-7 minutes in a dry skillet can enhance their flavor before adding them to the dough.
How should I store leftover Pecan Snowball Cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This will maintain their delightful texture. If you have a larger batch, consider layering them between sheets of parchment paper for protection.
Can I freeze Pecan Snowball Cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze, place your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag layered with parchment paper for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight and roll them in powdered sugar again for that fresh, snowy finish!
What should I do if my snowball cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, don’t fret! This could happen if the butter was too warm or if the dough wasn’t chilled enough. To troubleshoot, make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking. If you’ve already baked them, you could slightly adjust the oven temperature for the next batch or try using colder butter next time for better structure.
Are there any dietary considerations for Pecan Snowball Cookies?
Yes! If you are making these cookies for someone with nut allergies, it’s best to skip the pecans altogether. Instead, consider using sunflower seeds or omit the nuts entirely, and be sure to choose gluten-free flour if anyone requires it. Always check other ingredients to ensure they meet dietary needs, especially if baking for parties.
Irresistible Snowball Cookies Recipe You'll Love to Share
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- cookie sheet
- - Parchment paper
- - Ice cream scoop
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter cool but not refrigerator cold
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar reserve some for rolling
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or almond extract for a different taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt use kosher or sea salt for best flavor
- 2 cups White Lily All-Purpose Flour substitute with gluten-free flour if needed
- 1 cup Finely Chopped Pecans or walnuts/almonds for variation
For Coating
- 1/2 cup Additional Powdered Sugar for rolling after baking
Instructions
How to Make Snowball Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your cookie sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Cream together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a thick dough forms, knead gently if necessary.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Refrigerate for at least an hour to prevent spreading.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden, while tops remain pale.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar and allow to cool completely before a second coating.