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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats featuring a rich buttery texture combined with crunchy toasted pecans. Coated generously in powdered sugar, these cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and nutty warmth, perfect for sharing during holidays, casual gatherings, or alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pecans: Toast the chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden, releasing their natural oils and enhancing their crunch.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a rich and tender cookie base.
  3. Mix in Vanilla and Salt: Add the vanilla extract and salt into the creamed mixture, blending thoroughly to develop balanced flavor.
  4. Add Flour and Pecans: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and toasted pecans using a spatula or your hands until a cohesive dough forms without overworking it.
  5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake and Cool: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool slightly before handling.
  7. Powdered Sugar Finish: While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Once cooled completely, dust them with powdered sugar a second time for the classic snowball appearance.

Notes

  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape.
  • Take care when toasting pecans to avoid burning and develop full flavor.
  • Use room temperature butter for even mixing and smooth dough texture.
  • Double dusting with powdered sugar enhances the snowy look.
  • Handle cookies gently to prevent crumbling when rolling and coating with powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan cookies, snowball cookies, buttery cookies, holiday cookies, melt in mouth cookies, nut cookies

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