Nothing says the holidays quite like Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These delightful little treats melt in your mouth with a buttery, nutty goodness that’s impossible to resist. Rolled in powdered sugar, they look like little snowballs, perfect for festive gatherings or as a sweet, comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Plus, they’re super easy to make, which means they’ll quickly become a holiday tradition in your home!

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies:

Buttery and Nutty: The combination of soft butter and finely chopped pecans creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both rich and flavorful.
Sweet Snowy Finish: Rolling them in powdered sugar gives them that signature snowy look, adding a touch of sweetness with every bite.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are not only delicious but also make a beautiful addition to holiday gift baskets or cookie exchanges.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🍪

Here’s everything you need to whip up 36 snowball cookies:

2 sticks of butter, softened 🧈
½ + 1 cup powdered sugar, divided 🍬
2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
Pinch of salt 🧂
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 🌾
1 cup finely chopped pecans 🌰

How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven 🔥

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and come out perfectly baked.

2. Mix the Dough 🍚

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix until everything is well combined and the dough is smooth.

The dough will be soft but should hold together nicely when shaped.

3. Add the Pecans 🌰

Once your dough is mixed, gently fold in the chopped pecans. The pecans add that wonderful nutty crunch, balancing out the buttery richness of the dough.

4. Shape the Cookies 🍪

To form the cookies, wet your hands slightly (this helps prevent the dough from sticking), and roll the dough into 36 small, evenly sized balls. Place them on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each cookie.

5. Bake to Perfection

Pop the cookies into the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them you’re looking for a light golden color around the edges, but the tops should remain fairly pale.

6. Cool the Cookies ❄️

Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack. Cooling them fully is important for the powdered sugar coating to adhere properly.

7. Roll in Powdered Sugar 🍬

While the cookies cool, pour the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Once the cookies are cool, roll each one in the powdered sugar until fully coated, creating that classic snowy look.

8. Serve and Enjoy! 🎉

Now your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your holiday party, gift them to friends, or just indulge in a few with a hot drink by the fire.

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:

Chop Pecans Finely: Finely chopping the pecans helps the dough hold together and creates a smooth texture inside the cookie.
Prevent Stickiness: Wet your hands before rolling the dough into balls to prevent sticking.
Double Roll in Sugar: If you want an extra snowy look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time once they’ve fully cooled.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat, combining a tender, buttery base with the crunchy goodness of pecans, all wrapped up in a sweet powdered sugar coating. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just because, these cookies are sure to become a favorite! Easy to make, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfect for sharing what’s not to love?

So, grab your ingredients, turn on some holiday tunes, and get ready to bake up a batch of these festive cookies!