A simple Christmas cookie made with just a few ingredients, these classic pecan snowball cookies are known by various names, including snowballs, Mexican wedding cookies, and Russian tea cakes.
The choice of nuts can vary from pecans to walnuts. The snowy appearance is achieved by coating them in powdered sugar while still warm.
What are Snowball Cookies?
Pecan snowballs are a classic Christmas cookie that is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness. They are made with a simple dough of butter, flour, sugar, and nuts and are rolled into balls before being baked until lightly golden brown.
Once cooled, the cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to give them their white, snowy appearance. There are no eggs or leavening agents in this snowball cookie recipes.
Snowball Cookie Ingredients
With five simple ingredients and one mixing bowl, you can easily whip up a batch of delicious snowball cookies that are perfect for any holiday gathering.
- SALTED BUTTER: Use room-temperature butter to form the cookie’s base and provide richness and flavor.
- POWDERED SUGAR: used in the cookie dough and for rolling the baked cookies.
- VANILLA: Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- FLOUR: This is the primary structure of the cookie, helping to hold it together.
- PECANS: Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) add texture and a nutty flavor.
Kitchen essentials you may need: an electric mixer (handheld or stand), baking sheets, mixing bowl, and a cooling rack.
How to Make Snowball Cookies with Pecans
- PREHEAT: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- CREAM: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- MIX: Add in the all purpose flour and chopped pecans and mix until just combined.
- ROLL: Roll the dough into one tablespoon (1-inch balls) of cookie dough per cookie. Place the balls on a baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- BAKE: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges of the cookie are lightly golden brown.
- ROLL: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes. Then, roll the outside of the cookie in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
- RE-ROLL: Roll in the confectioners’ sugar again once the cookies have completely cooled.
FAQs
What do Snowball Cookies Taste Like? Snowball cookies are known for their buttery, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are also slightly sweet, with a dusting of powdered sugar that adds a touch of sweetness.
How Long Do Snowball Cookies Last? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, snowball cookies can remain fresh for up to five days.
How Do You Make Powdered Sugar Stick to Snowball Cookies? Roll the warm cookies in a shallow bowl of powdered sugar and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for an extra dusting.
More Holiday Cookie Recipes
Here are two more delicious favorite holiday cookies to add to your Christmas cookie tray:
- Sugar Cookies are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re perfect for decorating.
- These soft and chewy Snickerdoodles are rolled in cinnamon sugar before they’re baked. They’re a classic holiday treat that everyone will love.
Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe Card
This easy snowball cookie recipe is perfect for a Christmas cookie tray. It is a favorite that will bring joy to your holiday season.
These cookies will surely please everyone with their simple ingredients and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Snowball Cookies with Pecans Recipe
Snowball cookies are a classic Christmas cookie that is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness. They are made with a simple dough of butter, flour, sugar, and nuts and are rolled into balls before being baked until lightly golden brown.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- PREHEAT: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- MIX: In a large bowl, using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and mix well. Add in the flour and pecans and mix until just combined.
- ROLL: Roll the dough into one tablespoon of cookie dough per cookie. Place the balls on a baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- BAKE: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges of the cookie are lightly golden brown.
- ROLL: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes. Then, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
- RE-ROLL: Roll in the confectioners’ sugar again once the cookies have completely cooled.
About the Author
Sarah is the author behind Rocky Hedge Farm. With a passion for simple, healthy recipes, gardening, and remodeling her manufactured home, she shares her experiences and knowledge to inspire others. Go here to read her story, “Living a Life of Contentment and Joy: Simple Living at Rocky Hedge Farm.” If you want to message Sarah, visit her contact page here.