Nutty Pecan Snowball Cookies
These delightful Nutty Pecan Snowball Cookies, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich buttery flavor, bring warmth and joy to every holiday gathering. Each bite-sized treat is rolled in a snowy coating of confectioners' sugar, making them a visually appealing addition to your cookie platter. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these cookies can be made in advance and stored in the freezer, allowing you to bake them fresh whenever a craving strikes. Enjoy these festive confections that encapsulate the spirit of the holidays!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
granulated sugar
1/4 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
butter
1 cup (softened)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
finely chopped pecans
2 1/2 cups (finely chopped)
confectioners' sugar
to taste (for dusting)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
3
Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to blend until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
4
Fold in the finely chopped pecans, being careful not to overmix.
5
Using your hands, shape the dough into 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 1-1/2 inches of space between each cookie.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
7
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. While still warm, dust the cookies generously with confectioners' sugar.
8
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before dusting with more confectioners' sugar for a finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Pecan Snowball Cookies?
These are bite-sized, buttery treats with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, filled with chopped pecans and rolled in confectioners' sugar.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
You should grease the baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What dry ingredients are sifted together first?
The all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt should be sifted together in a large mixing bowl.
Does the butter need to be softened or melted?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of softened butter.
How much vanilla extract is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
How many cups of pecans are needed?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of finely chopped pecans.
What is the best way to incorporate the pecans into the dough?
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, making sure not to overmix the dough.
What size should the dough balls be?
The dough should be shaped into small 1/2-inch balls using your hands.
How much space should be left between cookies on the baking sheet?
Leave approximately 1-1/2 inches of space between each cookie.
How long do Nutty Pecan Snowball Cookies need to bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should remain soft.
When should the cookies be dusted with confectioners' sugar?
Dust them generously while they are still warm, and then again once they have cooled completely.
Why is a second dusting of sugar recommended?
A second dusting after cooling provides a finished, snowy appearance.
Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, these cookies are freezer-friendly and can be stored in the freezer to be enjoyed later.
Are Nutty Pecan Snowball Cookies good for holidays?
Absolutely, they are a festive addition to any holiday cookie platter.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
No, this recipe is egg-free.
How much flour is required for the dough?
The recipe uses 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What type of sugar is used inside the cookie dough?
The dough contains 1/4 cup of granulated sugar.
What gives the cookies their signature snowball look?
A generous coating of confectioners' sugar provides the white, snowy finish.
Can I use a hand mixer for this recipe?
Yes, a hand mixer or a wooden spoon can be used to blend the butter and vanilla into the dry mixture.
Describe the texture of the finished cookies.
They have a rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, salt, butter, vanilla, pecans, and confectioners' sugar.
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
While the recipe specifies pecans, you can use other finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Is it necessary to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting helps achieve the desired delicate texture for these cookies.
Are these cookies considered bite-sized?
Yes, because they are shaped into 1/2-inch balls, they are perfect bite-sized treats.
What should I do if I don't have parchment paper?
If you lack parchment paper, you can grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
Where should the cookies cool?
Initially cool them slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy cookie recipe that is perfect for sharing and simple to prepare.
What is the main flavor profile of these cookies?
The cookies are characterized by a rich buttery flavor combined with aromatic vanilla and nutty pecans.