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Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

These tender, buttery cookies with finely chopped pecans are rolled in powdered sugar, delivering an impressive treat that is both simple to make and delicious.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature Use real, unsalted butter for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted Sifted for better texture.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Add in two stages to minimize overmixing.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans Chop finely to avoid large chunks.
For Rolling
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted Divided into two rounds of rolling.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soften the butter properly by leaving it out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
  2. Cream the softened butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add salt, and then add flour in two additions, mixing until just combined.
  5. Fold in finely chopped pecans by hand using a rubber spatula.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop out portions of dough about the size of a tablespoon and roll them into smooth balls.
  3. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
  5. Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before rolling in powdered sugar.
  6. Roll the warm cookies in half of the powdered sugar and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Once cooled, roll again in the remaining powdered sugar for a second time.

Notes

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. They freeze beautifully, so consider freezing before rolling in powdered sugar to maintain freshness. Experiment with different nuts for variations.