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Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies – Buttery, Nutty & Melt-In-Your-Mouth Perfect

These Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies are a beloved holiday favorite—soft, buttery, crumbly, and rolled in snowy powdered sugar. Made with toasted pecans, vanilla, butter, and simple pantry ingredients, each cookie melts in your mouth and delivers a warm nutty flavor that feels like pure holiday comfort. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, gifting boxes, Thanksgiving desserts, or anytime you’re craving a timeless cookie that’s easy to make and always irresistible. These cookies are simple, elegant, and packed with nostalgic flavor—truly a classic worth making every year!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Servings: 28 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • Note: “1 Pecan” from original list ignored as duplicate
Nuts
  • 1 cup Pecans finely chopped
Dairy
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
Coating
  • Extra powdered sugar for rolling
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Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Food processor or knife (for chopping pecans)
  • Silicone spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Bowl for powdered sugar

Method
 

Step 1 — Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2 — Chop the Pecans
  1. Finely chop the pecans using a knife or food processor.
  2. Avoid turning them into powder—small chunky pieces give the best texture.
  3. Set aside.
Step 3 — Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar
  1. Add softened butter and powdered sugar to a mixing bowl.
  2. Beat until smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
  3. This creates the classic melt-in-your-mouth snowball texture.
Step 4 — Add Vanilla
  1. Add vanilla extract into the mixture.
  2. Mix until fully blended and fragrant.
Step 5 — Add Dry Ingredients
  1. Add all-purpose flour to the bowl.
  2. Mix gently until the dough comes together.
  3. Do not overmix or the cookies may become dense.
Step 6 — Add the Pecans
  1. Fold in the chopped pecans.
  2. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7 — Shape the Snowball Cookies
  1. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough.
  2. Roll into smooth round balls with your hands.
  3. Arrange on the baking sheet—cookies will not spread much.
Step 8 — Bake
  1. Bake for 12–14 minutes.
  2. Tops should stay pale; bottoms lightly golden.
  3. Remove gently—cookies are delicate when hot.
Step 9 — First Powdered Sugar Coating
  1. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes.
  2. While warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar.
  3. Transfer to a cooling rack.
Step 10 — Final Snowy Coat
  1. Once fully cooled, roll again in powdered sugar
  2. for a beautiful, thick, snowy finish.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for 7 days.
Freezer (Dough)
Freeze unbaked dough balls up to 2 months.
Bake from frozen +2 minutes.
Freezer (Baked Cookies)
Freeze before rolling in powdered sugar.
Thaw, then coat in fresh powdered sugar.
Reheating
Not required—cookies stay soft at room temperature.
🥄 Variations
1. Toasted Pecan Snowballs
Toast pecans for deeper nutty flavor.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Snowballs
Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate once cooled.
3. Maple Pecan Snowballs
Add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract for a warm, rich twist.
4. Cinnamon Pecan Snowballs
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the dough for a spiced version.
5. Almond Pecan Snowballs
Add 1/4 cup chopped almonds for extra crunch.
6. Nut-Free Version
Skip pecans and add 2 tablespoons more flour.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Why are my snowballs dry or crumbly?
Too much flour — scoop flour lightly and level the cup.
2. Can I toast the pecans?
Yes — toasted pecans give richer flavor.
3. Why did the powdered sugar melt?
Cookies were too hot when rolled. Cool at least 2 minutes.
4. Can I skip vanilla?
Yes, but vanilla adds classic flavor.
5. Are these gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
6. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes — mini chocolate chips work great.
7. Why are my cookies too soft?
They may need 1 extra minute in the oven.
8. Why did they spread?
Butter may have been too soft — chill dough 10 minutes.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — doubles perfectly.
10. Are they crunchy or soft?
Soft, tender, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth.
🏁 Conclusion
These Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies deliver everything you love about traditional holiday baking — buttery richness, warm pecan flavor, snowy powdered sugar coating, and irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and timeless in flavor, they’re the perfect cookie for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cozy winter day. Whether you're gifting them, sharing them with family, or enjoying them warm from the oven, these snowballs bring pure holiday joy with every bite.