Aunt Katie's Irresistible Pecan Snowballs
These delightful pecan snowballs, inspired by Aunt Katie, my beloved godmother, have a rich history that stretches back through generations. Though I once believed they hailed from Germany, my grandmother enlightened me on their true origins. They are light, buttery, and packed with the wonderful crunch of ground pecans, making them a festive addition to any dessert table. With their delicate sweetness and powdered sugar coating, they resemble little snowballs—perfect for sharing with family and friends, or indulging in them all by yourself while reminiscing about cherished memories with loved ones. Aunt Katie's pecan balls are more than just cookies; they are a heartfelt reminder of home and tradition.
30
Servings
60
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 cup (measured)
ground pecans
1 cup (ground)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (measured)
superfine sugar or icing sugar
to taste (for rolling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and tablespoon of sugar together until it's light and fluffy.
3
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and ground pecans, mixing until the dough comes together smoothly.
4
Scoop out portions of the dough, about the size of a large gumball, and roll them into uniform balls.
5
Place the balls on a lined cookie sheet, spaced about an inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just beginning to turn a light golden color.
7
Once out of the oven and still warm, gently roll each cookie in superfine sugar or icing sugar to coat them in sweetness.
Nutrition Information
3.3g
Fat
6g
Carbs
0.3g
Protein
0.7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Aunt Katie's Irresistible Pecan Snowballs?
They are light, buttery cookies packed with ground pecans and coated in powdered sugar, resembling small snowballs.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Aunt Katie, the godmother of the recipe creator.
What is the origin of these pecan snowballs?
While once thought to be German, they are a long-standing family tradition passed down through generations.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the cookies need to bake?
The cookies should bake for 20 minutes until set and light golden.
What ingredients are needed for the dough?
You will need all-purpose flour, ground pecans, unsalted butter, and granulated sugar.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of measured all-purpose flour.
How many pecans are used?
You need 1 cup of ground pecans.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter.
How much sugar goes inside the cookie dough?
The dough contains 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar.
What is used to coat the snowballs?
The cookies are rolled in superfine sugar or icing sugar.
How do I prepare the pecans?
The pecans should be ground before being mixed into the dough.
What size should the dough balls be?
Roll the dough into portions about the size of a large gumball.
How do I start the mixing process?
Begin by creaming the unsalted butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
How should the cookies be spaced on the baking sheet?
Space the balls about an inch apart on a lined cookie sheet.
What is the best way to coat the cookies in sugar?
Gently roll each cookie in the sugar while they are still warm from the oven.
How many calories are in one pecan snowball?
Each serving contains 60 calories.
What is the fat content per cookie?
Each cookie contains 3.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there much protein in these cookies?
No, each cookie contains approximately 0.3g of protein.
How much sugar is in each cookie?
There is 0.7g of sugar per cookie.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday events?
Yes, they are specifically tagged as Christmas cookies and festive treats.
Do these cookies contain eggs?
Based on the ingredient list, this recipe does not contain eggs.
What is the texture of Aunt Katie's Pecan Snowballs?
They are described as light, buttery, and crunchy.
Can I use icing sugar for rolling?
Yes, the recipe suggests either superfine sugar or icing sugar for the coating.
What category of food do these fall into?
These are categorized as desserts and cookies.
Is the butter melted for this recipe?
No, the butter should be softened so it can be creamed with the sugar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients required.
Why are they called snowballs?
They are rolled into round balls and coated in white sugar, giving them a snowball-like appearance.