Step into a winter wonderland of flavor with Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies—a festive treat that melts in your mouth and fills the air with the sweet aroma of pecans. Also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, these delicate spheres of buttery goodness are rolled in powdered sugar, resembling snowballs. Join us in embracing the spirit of the season as we uncover the delightful steps to create these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies—a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. 🎄✨
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, ensuring they are well incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
- Incorporate Flour and Pecans: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape into Balls: Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake; the goal is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them generously. This step is crucial for creating the signature “snowball” appearance.
- Cool Completely: Place the sugar-coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can roll them in powdered sugar once more for an extra snowy effect.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies on a festive plate and savor the delightful combination of buttery richness and nutty crunch. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a cozy evening by the fireplace.
Finally, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a timeless classic that will brighten any occasion. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the richness of butter and the nutty flavor of pecans, results in a cookie that embodies the spirit of the season.
Share the joy of these melt-in-your-mouth treats with loved ones, and bask in the warmth and sweetness that Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies bring to your holiday celebrations.