Butter-Pecan Snowballs are a delightful treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet and nutty dessert. These cookies are rich and buttery with a wonderful crunch from pecans, and they are coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs. Here’s a recipe to make them:
Ingredients:
– One cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup finely chopped pecans
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– One to one and a half cups powdered sugar (to coat)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Pecans: Stir in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Form Cookies: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. About an inch apart, place the dough balls onto the baking sheet that has been prepared.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. The cookies’ pale tops will not change.
8. Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly but while they are still warm.
9. Coat with Powdered Sugar: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.To get a complete coating, roll the warm cookies in the powdered sugar. If desired, roll them again in powdered sugar once they are completely cooled for an extra snowy look.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your Butter-Pecan Snowballs with a cup of tea or coffee!
These cookies keep well for up to a week at room temperature when kept in an airtight container. They also freeze well if you want to prepare them in advance. Enjoy your baking!
