Prepare to be transported to a winter wonderland of flavor with these irresistible Snowball Cookies that will make your taste buds dance! These delicate, buttery treats are like little clouds of pure happiness, generously studded with crunchy pecans and coated in a luxurious blanket of powdered sugar. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet escape, these cookies promise to be your new obsession. Get ready to experience a melt-in-your-mouth sensation that's so delightful, you'll want to make batch after batch!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, soften the unsalted butter at room temperature for about 10 minutes until it's creamy but not melted.
- Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the butter. Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, cream the ingredients together until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Using your hands, roll the chilled dough into small 1-inch balls, placing them about
- 5 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar, coating them completely.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a thicker, more generous coating.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture. Room temperature butter creates a smooth, creamy base.
- Chill for Success: Refrigerating the dough for 15-20 minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Gentle Rolling: Use a light touch when forming cookie balls to keep them tender and prevent dense, tough cookies.
- Powdered Sugar Coating Technique: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they're still warm for the first coat, then again once completely cooled for a thick, beautiful finish.
- Storage Tip: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.
- Pecan Perfection: Finely chop the pecans to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough and provide a consistent nutty flavor in every bite.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 148kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
