These buttery, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a holiday classic! Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, making them a perfect festive treat.
Ingredients (Yields ~30 Cookies):
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans (finely chopped)
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans evenly.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (or flatten slightly for a different shape).
- Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 5: Powdered Sugar Coating
- Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes (still warm but not too hot to handle).
- Roll each cookie gently in powdered sugar, coating completely.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for that snowy finish.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it in the fridge for 20–30 minutes before rolling.
- Nut Substitutions: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage.
These cookies are not only easy to make but are also a nostalgic holiday favorite. They’re perfect for cookie trays, gifting, or just indulging with a cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy! 🎄🍪