Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Cookies That Everyone Loves!
If there’s one cookie that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays, it’s the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookie — also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or Southern Pecan Meltaways. These tender, buttery shortbread-style cookies are studded with finely chopped pecans, baked to golden perfection, and rolled in sweet powdered sugar that makes them look like little snowballs.
They’re buttery, nutty, and delicately sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible. Perfect for Christmas cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or even a cozy weekend baking session, this never-fail recipe guarantees perfect snowballs every time.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra flavor)
For Coating:
- 1–1½ cups powdered sugar (for rolling after baking)
Equipment You’ll Need
- Electric mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire cooling rack
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 36 cookies (approx.)
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Toast for 6–8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Let them cool completely before adding to the dough.
Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and makes your cookies taste richer.
Step 2: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and creamy — about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.
- Stir in the finely chopped pecans using a spatula or spoon until evenly distributed.
The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too soft, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- This helps the cookies hold their round shape during baking and intensifies the buttery flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat the oven again to 350°F (175°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale.
- Be careful not to overbake — they should stay tender, not crunchy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- While the cookies are still warm (but not hot), roll them gently in powdered sugar.
- Let them cool completely on the wire rack.
- Once cooled, roll them a second time in powdered sugar for a perfect snowy finish.
Double coating gives that classic “snowball” look and extra sweetness.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
- Freezer (Baked): Freeze up to 2 months in airtight containers, separated by parchment paper.
- Freezer (Unbaked): Freeze shaped dough balls for up to 3 months; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the time.
If storing for holidays, keep them tightly sealed — they stay fresh and delicious for weeks!
Pro Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
- Use real butter — no substitutes! It’s what gives these cookies their rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Toast your pecans for maximum flavor.
- Chill the dough to prevent spreading during baking.
- Don’t overbake. The cookies should be firm but not browned on top.
- Double-roll in sugar — once warm, once cool — for a perfect snowy coating.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
- Vanilla Almond Snowballs: Replace pecans with almonds and add ½ teaspoon almond extract.
- Chocolate Snowballs: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dough.
- Maple Pecan Snowballs: Substitute vanilla extract with maple extract for a cozy flavor twist.
- Walnut or Hazelnut Snowballs: Swap pecans for other toasted nuts for variety.
- Holiday Sparkle: Add edible glitter or colored sugar for a festive presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair beautifully with:
- A cup of hot cocoa or coffee
- Eggnog or mulled cider during the holidays
- Vanilla ice cream for a cold-and-warm dessert combo
- A cookie gift box — they look stunning wrapped in festive tins
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why are my snowball cookies dry or crumbly?
That usually means too much flour or not enough butter. Make sure to measure flour correctly (spoon and level method) and use real unsalted butter.
Q2: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q3: Why did my cookies flatten instead of staying round?
The dough may have been too warm. Always chill before baking to maintain that classic snowball shape.
Fun Fact
Did you know these cookies are enjoyed around the world under different names?
- In Mexico, they’re called Polvorones or Mexican Wedding Cookies.
- In Russia, they’re known as Tea Cakes.
- In the American South, they’re often called Pecan Meltaways — because they truly melt in your mouth!
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Final Thoughts
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are timeless — the kind of cookies that make you feel like a kid again. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture, buttery aroma, and nutty crunch make them an unforgettable holiday classic.
Whether you bake them for Christmas, weddings, or family gatherings, they’ll always deliver that magical homemade flavor that everyone craves.