Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

By: Rabia

Hook:
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are bite-sized holiday perfection — buttery, nutty, and coated in a blanket of powdered sugar that looks just like freshly fallen snow. They’re also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, but whatever you call them, they’ll melt in your mouth and disappear fast!

🕒 Recipe Info

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Servings: About 24 cookies

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar together until light and creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
(Tip: Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft — this helps the cookies keep their round shape.)

4. Shape the Cookies

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into small balls. Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

6. Sugar-Coat Snowballs

Allow cookies to cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them gently in powdered sugar while still warm.
Let cool completely, then roll them again in more powdered sugar for that signature snowy finish.

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💡 Tips & Variations

  • Toasted pecans add even deeper nutty flavor — toast them for 5–7 minutes before chopping.

  • Substitute almonds or walnuts for a fun twist.

  • Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm holiday aroma.

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days — or freeze for up to 2 months.

🎄 Perfect For

  • Holiday cookie exchanges

  • Gift boxes and treat trays

  • Cozy winter afternoons with a cup of tea

Rabia
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