Pecan snowball cookies are a timeless classic that grace many holiday tables and cookie swaps. Also referred to as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, these little delights are sure to bring smiles to faces! With their buttery, nutty aroma and tender, crumbly texture, they practically melt in your mouth. To add a snowy touch, they’re rolled in powdered sugar, bringing both a delightful sweetness and a holiday cheer.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the rich, soft texture paired with the sweet sugar coating. Just one bite, and you’ll see why these cookies are cherished in various cultures around the world!

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Snowball Cookies

• Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture: Enjoy a delicate, crumbly bite that dissolves effortlessly, making these treats utterly irresistible.
• Nutty, Buttery Delight: The harmony of toasted pecans and rich buttery dough creates an indulgent flavor that comforts the soul.
• Gift-Worthy Gems: Perfect for cookie exchanges or as gifts, their charming appearance and flavor make them a fantastic resource for the holiday season.
• Time-Saver: With a straightforward recipe that calls for just a few ingredients, you’ll save time without sacrificing flavor!

Ingredients

• Pecans: Finely chopped for rich flavor and crunch.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides the base richness for the cookies.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough and helps achieve that classic snowy coating.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookies, enhancing the flavor of the pecans.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and contributes to the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the other flavors.

How to Make Pecan Snowball Cookies

Making these cookies is a breeze! Here’s how to whip up a batch that will impress your friends and family:

1. Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper, ensuring a clean release for the cookies.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that light texture!

3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans. Combine until the dough forms a soft, cohesive mixture. Just be careful not to overmix!

4. Shape the Cookies

With your hands, roll small balls of dough, roughly the size of a walnut. Arrange them on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for expansion during baking.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are a light golden brown while the tops remain pale. Keeping them a little underbaked will ensure that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

6. Cool and Coat

After taking the cookies out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 1 to 2 minutes. When they’re still warm, roll them gently in a bowl of powdered sugar until they are generously coated. Transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

7. Final Coating

For an extra touch of sweetness, once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar one last time to give them that quintessential snowy look.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Store your delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy the bliss of these melt-in-your-mouth treats anytime you desire!

Tips for the Best Pecan Snowball Cookies

Follow these handy tips for achieving perfect snowball cookies every time:

• Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is nice and soft for smooth mixing, which prevents spreading during baking.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision with flour and sugar to avoid dry or flat cookies.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting pecans for about 8–10 minutes boosts their nutty flavor, enhancing your cookies.
• Chop Finely: Finely chopped nuts distribute evenly, allowing for a consistent nutty flavor throughout each bite.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix ingredients just until combined to keep your cookies tender. Overmixing leads to density.
• Utilize a Cookie Scoop: This helps ensure uniformly sized cookies, which bake evenly and look beautiful.
• Chill the Dough: Let the formed dough balls chill in the freezer for about 10 minutes prior to baking to help maintain their shape.

How to Store Pecan Snowball Cookies

Make sure your cookies stay fresh so you can share them with loved ones:

To Store

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but they may absorb some moisture.

To Freeze

If you want to freeze your unbaked dough, roll it into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet until they’re firm. Then, transfer the balls to freezer bags for up to 2 months. For baked cookies, store them in freezer-safe containers with wax paper layers between them for up to 3 months. Be sure to roll them in fresh powdered sugar once thawed for that beloved snowy finish!