Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Introduction

Winter is here, and what better way to embrace the season than by indulging in some homemade Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies? These delectable treats are not only a delight for your taste buds but also perfect for gifting during the holiday season. In this article, we will take you through the steps to make these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, along with some interesting tips and variations. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these scrumptious Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup of unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
A pinch of salt
1 cup of finely chopped pecans

For Rolling and Dusting:

Additional powdered sugar for rolling and dusting

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix it into the butter-sugar mixture.
Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, blending until a soft dough forms.
Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball.

Baking the Snowball Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar until they are generously coated. This will create the signature “snowball” appearance.
Place the sugar-coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations

1. Flavorful Additions

You can enhance the flavor of your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies by adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist.

2. Nut Options

While pecans are the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique flavor profile.

3. Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful winter treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their buttery richness and nutty crunch, these cookies are a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them by the fireside, these snowball cookies are sure to make your winter a little sweeter.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for the cookie dough?

Yes, you can, but it’s recommended to use unsalted butter to have better control over the cookie’s overall saltiness.

2. How long can I store these cookies?

Store your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw and roll them in powdered sugar before baking.