“A classic holiday treat that brings comfort and joy in every bite.”
Buttery Pecan Snowballs are more than just cookies; they evoke warm memories of family gatherings and the sweet scent of baking wafting through the house. Every bite of these snowy treasures is an invitation to a delightful experience, combining the rich flavors of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans. Perfect for festive celebrations or cozy afternoons, they are simple to make and utterly irresistible!
Table of Contents
Why Are Buttery Pecan Snowballs a Perfect Treat for Any Occasion?
“Buttery Pecan Snowballs make for a delightful and versatile treat, perfect for any occasion.”
These whimsical snowball cookies are a timeless treat that brings a sense of joy and nostalgia in every bite, whether at holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or just an afternoon snack. Their delicious simplicity is part of their charm. With only a handful of ingredients, they are easy enough for even novice bakers to whip up. The buttery flavor combined with crunchy pecans creates a satisfying experience that your family and friends will cherish. Plus, rolling them in powdered sugar gives them a festive touch, making them a wonderful addition to any dessert platter.
Try serving these with a cozy cup of hot coffee or tea to enhance the experience. With each melt-in-your-mouth bite, you will want to savor every moment. Enjoy these delightful treats alongside holiday-inspired pastries!
What Makes This Version of Buttery Pecan Snowballs Unique?
“This interpretation of the classic snowball cookie offers a luxurious twist with a buttery texture and crunchy nutty flavor.”
A Reimagined Traditional Recipe
This rendition of Buttery Pecan Snowballs stays true to the classic recipe while enhancing the texture and flavor balance. The primary difference lies in the finely chopped pecans they call for, which infuse a delightful nutty flavor into the rich dough. Plus, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, leading to a perfectly balanced sweetness without the risk of overpowering your palate. If you want an extra depth of flavor, you can use toasted pecans to elevate the nuttiness even further.
For a touch of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture to warm up the flavor profile, a move many home bakers are starting to appreciate. You won’t want to miss experiencing these snowy delights alongside a cup of hot cocoa this winter! Pumpkin Puff Pastry Twists are another festive treat you can enjoy!
What Ingredients Are Required to Make Buttery Pecan Snowballs?
“Creating these tender cookies requires minimal yet flavorful ingredients readily found in your pantry.”
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup, softened |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup, plus extra for rolling |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Finely chopped pecans | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
The key ingredient in this delightful cookie is, unsurprisingly, butter. Using high-quality unsalted butter is essential for achieving that rich and creamy texture we love in cookies. It provides moisture and richness that binds the cookies while not overshadowing the pecans. Ground pecans serve as both a textural element and flavor enhancer, giving a delightful crunch. Macros for these cookies are surprisingly friendly, offering a balance of sweetness and wholesome fats, thanks to the nuts and butter. This recipe serves as a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to make pure magic that is both indulgent and comforting.
How Do You Make Buttery Pecan Snowballs Step-by-Step?
“Making these cookies is a simple process that anyone can master!”
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies don’t stick!
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will create a lovely base for your snowball cookies.
Step 3
Add in the vanilla extract and mix until it’s just combined. The intoxicating aroma of vanilla will start to elevate your kitchen’s ambiance.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Cool Time | Total Time | Nutritional Values (per cookie) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 5 minutes | 30 minutes | Approx. 100 calories |
Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Step 5
Next, fold in the finely chopped pecans, which gives texture and a nutty flavor that makes these cookies so unique.
Step 6
Using your hands, form small balls of dough that are about 1 inch in diameter, then place them on the prepared baking sheet. Keep about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Step 7
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. This is where your kitchen will start to smell heavenly!
Step 8
After removing them from the oven, allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes. This step is critical for achieving optimum flavor and texture.
Step 9
Finally, roll the warm cookies in extra powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them in powdered sugar again if desired before serving.
What Are Some Variations and Serving Suggestions for Buttery Pecan Snowballs?
“These cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap ingredients and enhance flavors based on your preferences.”
Diet Swap
If you are looking for a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. It’s a simple swap that doesn’t compromise the beloved cookie texture. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, using a sugar substitute designed for baking can still lead to delightful results.
Flavor Variation
Add a twist to your snowballs by incorporating chocolate chips, or replace pecans with walnuts for a different yet delightful crunch. You might consider elevating them further with a hint of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to personalize them to your taste. For a fun twist, try out some easy holiday recipes like Puppy Chow!
Serving Idea
These cookies make excellent gifts during the holiday season! Arrange them in decorative tins or boxes, sprinkled with edible glitter for a festive touch. Pair your Buttery Pecan Snowballs with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or an indulgent spiced tea for an unbeatable afternoon treat or dessert station during family get-togethers.
| Suggested Pairings | Tips |
|---|---|
| Hot Chocolate | Dust with cocoa powder for a twist |
| Herbal Tea | Serve warm or chilled |
| Coffee | Pair with flavored creamers |
Final Thoughts on Buttery Pecan Snowballs
These Buttery Pecan Snowballs are not just cookies; they are a delightful experience that warms your heart. Whether enjoyed during the bustling holiday season or as an everyday treat, they remind us of the joy that simple recipes can bring. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and believe me when I say they won’t last long! Don’t hesitate to bookmark or share this recipe on Pinterest for later inspiration; it’s a must-try for all cookie lovers! Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for future baking inspiration!
FAQ
Can I freeze Buttery Pecan Snowballs?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I add chocolate to the dough?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips can be folded in along with the pecans for a delicious chocolatey twist that complements the buttery flavor.
How long do Buttery Pecan Snowballs last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies can last about a week. Just be sure to keep them away from any potential humidity!
Can I make these cookies smaller for bite-sized treats?
Absolutely! You can reduce the size of the dough balls to make smaller cookies. Adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid overbaking.
Buttery Pecan Snowballs
Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Buttery Pecan Snowballs, a delightful and simple cookie perfect for sharing.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in extra powdered sugar before cooling completely on a wire rack.
- If desired, roll them in powdered sugar again before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
1 Comment
[…] recipe that honors its rich history. I encourage you to embrace your own traditions, much like butterscotch desserts that celebrate family bonds and […]