Pecan Snowball Cookies
Welcome to the festive world of holiday baking! As the air fills with the scent of warm spices and sweet treats, it’s time to indulge in one of the season’s classic delights: Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. This timeless recipe, passed down through generations, embodies the essence of holiday cheer with its buttery, nutty, and sugary flavor. Join me as we explore the magic of these delightful snowball cookies and learn how to create your own batch of holiday joy.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of nostalgia and warmth to their holiday celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a breeze to make and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is ideal for busy individuals who still want to spread some holiday cheer through homemade treats.
The Magic of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
What makes these cookies so special? It’s all in the name: Buttery, nutty, and sugary, these snowball cookies are reminiscent of a winter wonderland. With each bite, you’ll experience the delicate crunch of finely chopped pecans, balanced perfectly by the rich, buttery flavor of the cookie dough. Coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies truly resemble snowballs, making them a festive addition to any holiday cookie tin or dessert table.
Tips and Tricks for Success
To ensure your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies turn out perfect every time, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting. This will ensure a light and fluffy cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before rolling into balls.
- Roll While Warm: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm from the oven. This allows the powdered sugar to adhere to the cookies better.
- Double Coating: For an extra snowy appearance, roll the cookies in powdered sugar once more after they have cooled completely.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and swaps you can try:
- Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Flavor Extracts: Experiment with different extracts such as maple, rum, or orange for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Chocolate Coating: Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll need the following kitchen equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone liners
- Cooling rack
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
Food and Drink Pairings
These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa or a steaming mug of spiced chai tea. Their buttery richness complements the warm, comforting flavors of these beverages, making them the ultimate treat for a cozy winter evening by the fireplace.
Conclusion:
As the holiday season approaches, let the sweet aroma of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies fill your home with warmth and joy. Whether you’re baking a batch for yourself or gifting them to loved ones, these delightful cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delicious journey of holiday baking!
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Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄🍪
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans finely chopped
- Additional confectioners’ sugar for coating about 1-2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Scoop out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are light brown. Be careful not to overbake.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 3-5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- Place about 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each warm cookie in the sugar until coated, then place them back on the wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them in confectioners’ sugar once more before storing or serving.