I absolutely love the festive season, especially when I get to bake my favorite pecan snowball cookies!
These cookies are little bites of joy that melt in your mouth, with a wonderful crunch from the pecans.
They’re not just delicious, they’re also super easy to make, perfect for any holiday occasion.
Let me tell you, these cookies are always a hit at my holiday gatherings.
The sweet, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
Plus, making these cookies gives me that cozy holiday feeling. 😍
Here’s all you need to make them:
Pecan Snowball Cookies Snacks Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Sifter or fine sieve
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Having these tools ready makes the process smooth and fun.
- The electric mixer helps in blending the butter perfectly, while the sifter ensures that the powdered sugar is nice and fluffy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans finely chopped
- Using quality ingredients ensures that the cookies turn out deliciously rich.
I always recommend softening the butter well before you start to make sure everything blends smoothly.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until set.
- Cool slightly, then roll in remaining powdered sugar.
I find it helpful to watch them closely as they bake. You don’t want them to brown too much!
Notes
Presentation & Serving
I’m so excited to share my tips for presenting and serving pecan snowball cookies! 🍪🎉 These delicious treats deserve a special spotlight.
Serving Suggestions
- Place the cookies on a pretty platter. White or silver dishes really make them pop.
- Add a sprinkle of extra powdered sugar just before serving for a snowy look. ❄️
- Serve them with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat. ☕
Arrangement Tips
- Layer them in a pyramid shape. It looks festive and makes them easy to grab.
- Or, try placing them in a circle with a small bowl of extra pecans in the center.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh mint leaves can add a touch of green. 🌿
- Consider small candy canes for a pop of color and a bit of minty flavor.
These little ideas help the cookies stand out and add a touch of joy to any table. Can’t wait for you to try them! ✨
Storage Tips
I’m so excited to share how you can keep your pecan snowball cookies fresh and tasty! 🍪
Room Temperature Storage
I store my cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to a week this way. You just have to keep them away from moisture and heat.
Freezing for Later
If I want to save some for later, I freeze them! ❄️ I put them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months.
Quick Freeze Tips:
- Double wrap with plastic wrap and aluminum foil if available.
- Label with date to remember freshness.
Thawing
When I’m ready to eat them, I let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They taste just as good as fresh!
Taking these steps helps me enjoy these sweet treats any time I crave them. 😋
Recipe Variation
I’m so excited to share some fun ways to mix up my favorite pecan snowball cookies! 🌟 Let’s explore different variations to customize these delightful treats just for you.
Flavor Additions
Try these ideas to give your cookies a new twist:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. 🍫
- Cinnamon: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm flavor.
- Orange Zest: Mix in 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a fresh hint of citrus. 🍊
Equipment I Use
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Hand mixer
Ingredients I Love
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Special Instructions
- Mix butter and vanilla: Beat until creamy.
- Add dry ingredients: Slowly blend in flour and sugar.
- Stir in pecans: Fold them into the dough.
- Shape and bake: Roll dough into balls and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.
- Cool and coat: Let cool, then roll in powdered sugar.
Nutty Alternatives
Switch up the nuts if you’d like:
- Almonds: Try 1 cup of chopped almonds for a nutty crunch. 🌰
- Walnuts: Use 1 cup of walnuts for a rich flavor.
These are just a few of my favorite tweaks to the classic pecan snowball cookies. Experiment and have fun making them your own! 🍪
Pairing
I love how pecan snowball cookies go perfectly with so many drinks and snacks. 🍪 Let’s explore some delicious pairings.
Beverages
- Coffee: The rich taste of coffee enhances the buttery flavor of the cookies.
- Tea: Light, floral teas like chamomile pair nicely.
- Milk: A classic! The creamy milk balances the nutty pecans.
Snacks
- Fruit: Fresh berries add a sweet-tart contrast.
- Cheese platter: Soft cheese brings a creamy balance.
- Nuts: Pair with roasted almonds for extra crunch.
Desserts
- Ice cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream adds a creamy touch.
These pairings add an extra layer of enjoyment to every bite. 😋
Tips & Tricks
🎉 Here’s how I make perfect pecan snowball cookies every time!
Keep it Cold: I always chill the dough for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape better!
Perfect Size: Using a small cookie scoop ensures my cookies are uniform and bake evenly. Plus, it speeds up the process! 🍪
Gentle Roll: When rolling the cookies in powdered sugar, I do it while they’re still warm. The sugar sticks better this way.
Re-roll for Extra Sweetness: I roll them in sugar once when warm and again once they’re completely cooled. This gives them that perfect snowy look.
Storing Tip: I store mine in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent moisture from melting the sugar. They stay yummy for days!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Cookie Sheet
- Small Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- Butter
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
- All-Purpose Flour
- Chopped Pecans
Instructions
- Mix butter and sugar in the bowl until smooth.
- Add vanilla, then flour until combined.
- Fold in pecans.
- Scoop dough onto cookie sheet.
- Bake at the right temperature.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
Hope these tips help you bake the best pecan snowball cookies ever! 🍪🌟
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m thrilled to chat about pecan snowball cookies! These delightful treats are beloved for their buttery taste and powdered sugar coating. Let’s explore some common questions about making and enjoying these tasty snacks! 🎉🍪
How do you get pecan snowball cookies to hold their shape?
Keeping these cookies in shape is all about chilling the dough. After mixing, I pop the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps them stay nice and round during baking.
What’s the secret to the most flavorful Southern-style pecan snowball cookies?
The secret is toasting the pecans before mixing them into the dough. Toasting brings out a deep, nutty flavor.
It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!
Is there a quick and easy pecan snowball cookie recipe for last-minute guests?
Absolutely! I make a quick version by using ready-made dough. Add chopped pecans, roll them into balls, and bake.
They’re ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for surprise visitors!
What ingredients do you need to make old-fashioned pecan snowball cookies?
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans
Can you make pecan snowball cookies with just 5 ingredients?
Yes, you can! Use butter, powdered sugar, flour, vanilla, and pecans.
Simple and delicious!
Are there variations of the snowball cookie recipe for chocolate lovers?
Definitely! Adding mini chocolate chips to the dough is a tasty twist.
Some folks dip them in melted chocolate for extra indulgence. 🍫
I love sharing these tips! Making pecan snowball cookies is fun and rewarding, especially when you see everyone enjoying them.
Can’t wait for you to try these ideas and make your cookie experience even better!
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