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.
💡 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