There’s something undeniably comforting about a small, round cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite. Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights are the perfect treat for cozy evenings spent by the fireplace, quiet winter afternoons with a cup of tea, or even as a special homemade gift for friends and family. These delicate cookies carry a subtle nutty sweetness from toasted pecans, combined with a rich buttery texture that simply dissolves on the tongue.
Inspired by traditional snowball cookies that have been a family favorite for generations, this recipe takes a classic treat to a new level of softness and flavor. Whether you’re baking to celebrate a festive occasion or simply to enjoy a quiet moment of indulgence, these pecan snowballs are versatile, elegant, and irresistibly delicious. Their delicate powdered sugar coating not only adds sweetness but also a snowy aesthetic that makes them look as delightful as they taste.
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Directions
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. -
Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. -
Fold in Pecans
Gently fold the toasted, chopped pecans into the dough, ensuring even distribution without overworking the mixture. -
Shape the Cookies
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, form dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. -
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are just starting to turn a light golden color. The cookies should remain soft and not browned on top. -
Cool and Coat
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While still slightly warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat evenly. For an extra snowy effect, roll them a second time once fully cooled. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or package them in a decorative tin as a thoughtful gift.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Yield: 24 cookies
Notes
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Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their natural flavor. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes at 350°F, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Storing Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer and thaw as needed.
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Rolling in Sugar: Rolling the cookies while they’re slightly warm allows the powdered sugar to adhere better, giving a classic snowy finish.
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Variations: For a subtle twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth and aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights stand out for several reasons. The combination of tender, buttery dough and crunchy toasted pecans creates a satisfying contrast in every bite. Unlike many cookies that harden when cooled, these snowballs remain soft for days, making them ideal for both immediate enjoyment and gifting. Their simple ingredients are pantry staples, yet they produce a sophisticated dessert that feels special and indulgent.
These cookies are also visually appealing. Rolled in powdered sugar, they resemble tiny snowballs, adding a whimsical touch to any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a holiday, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these cookies are sure to impress with both flavor and presentation.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
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Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is soft but not melted. This allows the dough to hold its shape while staying tender.
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Measuring Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off for precise measurement; too much flour can make cookies dense.
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Uniform Cookie Sizes: Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized snowballs to ensure consistent baking.
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Double Sugar Coating: For an extra snowy effect, roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar, once while warm and once after cooling completely.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair these cookies with a hot beverage, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, for a cozy afternoon treat.
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Present them on a decorative platter during gatherings to make your dessert table shine.
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Use them as edible gifts, wrapped in cellophane or a festive tin for a thoughtful homemade touch.
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Crumble over vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert parfait.
The Perfect Occasion for Pecan Snowballs
These cookies are versatile enough for any occasion. Serve them at holiday gatherings, afternoon tea parties, or as a comforting treat on a chilly evening. Their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle nutty flavor make them ideal for both casual and formal events. The snowy powdered sugar coating also makes them visually appealing for festive displays.
Imagine the scene: a crisp winter afternoon, soft music playing in the background, a warm cup of cocoa in hand, and a plate of Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights waiting to be enjoyed. The aroma of toasted pecans and buttery dough fills the room, evoking memories of family traditions, cozy kitchens, and the joy of homemade desserts.
Healthier Twists Without Sacrificing Flavor
While these cookies are undeniably indulgent, you can make a few simple adjustments for a lighter version without compromising flavor:
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Substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for reduced fat.
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Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and slightly higher fiber content.
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Replace powdered sugar with a natural sweetener blend for a lower glycemic index.
Even with these adjustments, the cookies retain their signature softness and nutty flavor, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health-conscious choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights are perfect for preparing in advance, whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just want a batch ready for a cozy weeknight treat. After baking, allow the cookies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar again if needed—this will restore their signature snowy appearance and fresh-baked look. This make-ahead option is also handy for gifting; you can package frozen cookies in tins and let recipients thaw them when they’re ready to enjoy.
Can I substitute the pecans?
Yes! While pecans give these cookies their classic flavor and slightly buttery crunch, you can easily swap in other nuts according to preference or what’s on hand. Walnuts offer a similar richness, almonds provide a slightly firmer texture with a mild flavor, and hazelnuts lend a subtly sweet and aromatic taste. Toasting any nuts before adding them to the dough enhances their natural flavor and adds depth to the cookies. Simply spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This step makes a noticeable difference in flavor and ensures every bite is nutty and satisfying.
The signature softness of these snowball cookies comes from careful baking and proper storage. To maintain their tender texture, avoid overbaking; the cookies should be lightly golden on the bottoms and remain soft to the touch when removed from the oven. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. For extra moisture retention, place a slice of bread in the container—the cookies will absorb just enough humidity to stay soft without altering flavor. These tips ensure that even if you bake a large batch ahead of time, each cookie will still feel fresh and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, these cookies can be made gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, which provides structure similar to regular flour. While the texture may be slightly different—slightly more delicate or crumbly—the cookies will remain soft, buttery, and full of nutty flavor. Gluten-free versions are perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to experiment with a naturally lighter variation of this classic treat.
Wrapping Up
Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights are more than just cookies—they’re an experience. From the tender buttery dough and toasted pecans to the snow-like powdered sugar coating, each bite offers comfort and indulgence. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic cookies with a refined twist.
Take the time to bake these snowball delights, and you’ll find that the process is as satisfying as the result. The aroma, the texture, and the flavor combine to create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also evokes warmth, nostalgia, and the simple joy of homemade baked goods.
So preheat your oven, toast those pecans, and treat yourself to a plate of Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights—a cookie that’s destined to become a new family favorite.
Print
Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft & Buttery Pecan Snowball Delights are melt-in-your-mouth cookies that combine tender, buttery dough with toasted pecans and a snowy powdered sugar coating. Perfect for cozy evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are simple to make yet elegant in flavor and presentation. Their soft texture and nutty richness make them a timeless favorite.
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
-
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
-
Gently fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough.
-
Using a teaspoon or small cookie scoop, form dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the cookies remain soft on top.
-
Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. While slightly warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, roll a second time for extra snowy effect.
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Serve with tea, coffee, or package as a thoughtful gift.
Notes
-
Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their natural flavor and aroma.
-
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
-
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the sugar adhere better.
-
For a subtle twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
