Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Introduction
There’s something magical about the holidays — the twinkling lights, the cozy kitchen aromas, and the sweet anticipation of baking something special for your loved ones. Few treats embody that nostalgic warmth quite like Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth confections are everything a cookie should be — soft, crumbly, buttery, and perfectly sweet. Coated generously in powdered sugar, they look just like little snowballs, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are beloved for their simplicity and irresistible flavor. They require no fancy equipment, no chilling, and just a handful of ingredients — butter, flour, sugar, vanilla, and pecans. Yet, the result is pure elegance: a cookie that melts on your tongue and leaves a lingering nutty sweetness that keeps you coming back for more.
These cookies have gone by many names over the years — Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Viennese Crescents — but no matter what you call them, they all share that signature buttery texture and snowy coating that makes them unforgettable. Whether you’re baking them for Christmas, gifting them in a festive tin, or simply indulging in a homemade treat with coffee, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies always deliver joy in every bite.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies lies in their balance of simplicity and perfection. Here’s why this particular recipe works so well:
High Butter Content for Richness
The two sticks of butter in the dough give these cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. The fat coats the flour, reducing gluten formation and resulting in a tender, crumbly bite.
Powdered Sugar for Delicate Sweetness
Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar blends seamlessly into the dough, giving the cookies a smooth, soft crumb instead of a grainy texture. Plus, rolling them in more powdered sugar after baking gives that iconic “snowball” finish.
Finely Chopped Pecans for Nutty Depth
The toasted flavor of pecans adds complexity and contrast to the buttery sweetness. Finely chopping them ensures even distribution and a consistent texture in every cookie.
No Eggs for Classic Shortbread Texture
These cookies contain no eggs — and that’s intentional. This creates a denser, more shortbread-like cookie that crumbles beautifully instead of turning cakey.
Vanilla for Warm, Comforting Aroma
A touch of vanilla extract enhances the buttery base and adds a layer of cozy flavor that feels like a warm hug.
The result? A batch of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies that are light, airy, and impossibly satisfying — perfect with tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make these dreamy Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll need simple pantry staples that come together to create cookie perfection.
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure of the cookies without making them heavy.
½ cup powdered sugar (plus 1 cup for coating) – Adds sweetness to the dough and gives that signature snowy look.
Pinch of salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature – The key to buttery richness and perfect texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For warm, aromatic depth.
1 cup finely chopped pecans – Adds a nutty crunch and flavor contrast.
That’s it! Just six humble ingredients to create the unforgettable Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies that everyone will be asking you to make again and again.
How To Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Baking Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies is as enjoyable as eating them. The process is quick, easy, and almost foolproof — making this recipe perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and release easily.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add 2 sticks of softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat until the mixture is light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the butter, which helps the cookies bake tender and light.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Next, mix in the vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the flour and pinch of salt, mixing until combined. Finally, fold in the finely chopped pecans. The dough should be soft and cohesive but not sticky.
Step 4: Form the Snowballs
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls (you’ll get around 36 cookies). Roll them gently between your palms for smooth, round shapes — like perfect little snowballs.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the cookie balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale — that’s what keeps them delicate and tender.
Step 6: Cool and Coat in Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for about 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack. Once they reach room temperature, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them completely. For an extra snowy look, give them a second coating once they’ve fully cooled.
And there you have it — a batch of gorgeous Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies ready to melt in your mouth and bring holiday cheer to everyone who tries them.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies is easy, but these expert tips will ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.
Use Room Temperature Butter
Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, and melted butter will make the dough greasy. Room temperature is the sweet spot — it should be soft but still hold its shape.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of delicate, crumbly ones.
Chop Pecans Finely
Large pecan pieces can make the cookies fall apart. Use a food processor or knife to chop them finely for even texture.
Double Coat in Sugar
The first coat may melt slightly into the cookies as they cool, so dust them again for that perfect snowball look.
Cool Before Rolling
Rolling cookies while hot will make the sugar clump and melt. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before the first coating.
Toasting Pecans (Optional but Recommended)
Toasting pecans before adding them to the dough deepens their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant.
Make Ahead & Freeze
You can freeze the unbaked cookie balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen — just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Storage Tip
Store your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld!
Holiday Gifting Idea
Pack them in festive tins or clear bags with ribbon — their powdery, snowball look makes them the perfect edible gift.
Flavor Variations
Want to switch it up? Substitute almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for pecans. Add a hint of almond extract, orange zest, or even a touch of cinnamon for a fun twist.
Follow these tips, and your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies will be bakery-perfect every time — tender, nutty, and dusted with snowy sweetness.
How to Serve Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
The beauty of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies lies in their versatility. They’re delightful served in so many ways:
With a Warm Beverage: Enjoy them alongside coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. The buttery sweetness pairs beautifully with warm drinks.
As a Dessert Tray Highlight: Combine them with other holiday favorites like shortbread, thumbprint cookies, and fudge for a stunning dessert platter.
For Special Occasions: These cookies add a touch of elegance to any event — from bridal showers to Christmas brunch.
In Gift Baskets: Their long shelf life and charming appearance make them perfect for gifting. Wrap them in parchment and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade touch.
Crumbled Over Ice Cream: Break one or two cookies and sprinkle them over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
No matter how you serve them, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies never fail to impress. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet special enough for any celebration.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few creative ideas for presenting and pairing your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies:
Holiday Cookie Platter: Arrange them alongside gingerbread men, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark for a festive display.
Tea Party Treats: Serve them on a delicate tiered tray with lemon tea, scones, and clotted cream.
After-Dinner Sweet: Present them in small bowls dusted with extra powdered sugar for guests to nibble with espresso.
Snowy Stack: Stack them in a glass jar, alternating layers of cookies and powdered sugar for a wintry look.
Gift Box Magic: Add tissue paper, tie a ribbon, and include a note — “Made with love: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies.”
These serving suggestions not only make your presentation beautiful but also elevate the experience of enjoying these melt-in-your-mouth delights.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Cooling & Rolling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
In less than an hour, you’ll have warm, fragrant Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies ready to dust, serve, and savor.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies have stood the test of time. They’re elegant yet effortless, nostalgic yet timeless — a true example of how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Whether it’s your first time baking them or they’re already part of your family’s traditions, these cookies bring a sense of warmth, comfort, and connection to every bite.
From their golden-baked crumb to their powdered sugar coating, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the perfect embodiment of homemade joy. So, preheat your oven, roll up your sleeves, and fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of butter, vanilla, and pecans. Your taste buds — and everyone lucky enough to share — will thank you.
