The first chill of winter air often brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia, especially when the aroma of freshly baked Pecan Snowball Cookies wafts through my kitchen. These delightful bites, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, capture the essence of the holiday spirit in every sugary, nutty mouthful. I stumbled upon this recipe while reminiscing about family gatherings from years past, where trays of these little delights would disappear almost as quickly as they appeared. With just six simple ingredients, these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them the perfect addition to any cookie swap or festive celebration.
As I roll the dough into fluffy spheres, knowing they’ll emerge from the oven coated in a dreamy layer of powdered sugar, I can’t help but think of how they forge connections, bringing family and friends together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this snowball cookies recipe promises a fuss-free, delicious treat that’s sure to impress—and perhaps even bring back some sweet memories of your own!
Why is this snowball cookies recipe a holiday must?
Effortless Baking: With only six ingredients, this snowball cookies recipe offers a simple, no-fuss baking experience.
Melt-in-your-Mouth Delight: These cookies melt away with each bite, leaving a buttery, nutty richness that will have everyone reaching for more.
Sweet Nostalgia: Resembling time-honored holiday treats, they evoke fond memories of festive gatherings.
Versatile Creations: Feel free to switch up the nuts or add chocolate chips to fit your taste!
Gift-Worthy: Beautifully packaged, these cookies make the perfect homemade gift to share joy and sweetness during the holiday season.
Give this delightful recipe a try and watch the smiles light up your gatherings!
Snowball Cookies Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and ensures a tender texture; use it cool (but not cold) for best results.
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a soft texture; also crucial for that delightful coating.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses a warm, sweet flavor that elevates the taste profile of your snowball cookies.
• Salt – Enhances and balances all the flavors, making every bite deliciously rich.
• White Lily All-Purpose Flour – This fine flour yields a light, tender crumb; swap with another soft wheat flour if needed.
• Finely Chopped Pecans – The star of the show, delivering texture and flavor; feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or your nut of choice for a twist.
For the Topping
• Extra Powdered Sugar – Ensures a sugary finish that’s as pretty as it is tasty; roll the cookies in it twice for that festive touch!
How to Make Snowball Cookies
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the cool unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. The texture should be smooth and creamy!
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Mix in Flavorings: Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully incorporated. This will enhance the overall flavor of your snowball cookies.
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Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the White Lily all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a thick dough forms. The dough should be somewhat crumbly but hold together when squeezed.
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Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, adding that lovely nutty flavor you crave.
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Shape the Cookies: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough using a cookie scoop, and roll it into a ball with your hands. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake to Perfection: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden while the tops remain pale, ensuring a tender bite.
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Cool and Coat: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in extra powdered sugar. For a more festive appearance, roll them again once completely cooled.
Optional: Garnish with chopped pecans on top after the second coating for a pretty presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These snowball cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by chilling it in the refrigerator. Simply form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them directly into a preheated oven without thawing. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolled cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; just layer them between sheets of parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. For the best quality, roll the cookies in powdered sugar after baking and cooling. Enjoy this snowball cookies recipe as a delightful last-minute treat, keeping holiday stress at bay!
What to Serve with Pecan Snowball Cookies?
Cozy up your holiday celebrations with delightful pairings that elevate the experience of these sweet, buttery bites.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: This creamy beverage enhances the nutty flavors of the cookies while providing a comforting warmth on chilly days.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate and citrus adds a refreshing contrast, brightening up your holiday table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside these cookies brings a creamy texture that balances the cookie’s crumbly bite.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai create a lovely harmony with the buttery cookies, making each bite feel extra cozy.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tart cranberry sauce introduces a zesty twist, complementing the sweetness of the snowball cookies.
- Gingerbread Tea: The spicy notes in this tea pair beautifully with the cookies’ flavors, creating an inviting experience for gatherings.
These delightful options make your dessert offerings both satisfying and festive, ensuring your cookie moments are memorable!
How to Store and Freeze Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cooled snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-coat in powdered sugar before serving for that freshly baked look.
Dough Preparation: You can prepare the dough ahead of time, roll into balls, and freeze them directly; bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
Snowball Cookies Recipe Variations
Customize your snowball cookies with these delightful twists to make each batch uniquely yours!
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Nutty Alternatives: Substitute finely chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile; each nut brings its special character. Consider using roasted nuts for an even richer taste!
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Chocolate-Chip Surprise: Add a few chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet burst within each cookie. This variation will please any chocolate lover who enjoys a delightful contrast.
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Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist. Not only does it add flavor, but it also lends a chewy texture that complements the cookies beautifully.
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Fruity Addition: Insert a cherry or a piece of dried fruit in the center before rolling into balls. This hidden surprise creates a refreshing pop of flavor with every bite.
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Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy kick. These spices elevate the overall taste and bring the festive spirit to life!
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Gluten-Free Variation: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. This swap ensures everyone can enjoy these delightful treats, regardless of dietary preferences.
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Almond Extract Infusion: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique twist on flavor. This alternative adds a nutty sweetness that enhances the pecans beautifully.
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Lemon Zest Brightness: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note. The brightness from the lemon balances the rich, buttery flavor and adds a pleasant surprise.
Expert Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least an hour prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a perfectly rounded shape.
- Use a Cool Baking Sheet: Start with a cool baking sheet; a warm pan can lead to flat, disappointed cookies. Trust me, they’ll puff up beautifully!
- Chop Pecans Precisely: Use a handheld nut chopper to finely chop pecans for better texture; a food processor may turn them into nut butter, altering the cookie’s consistency.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking could lead to dry cookies. Look for lightly golden bottoms while the tops remain pale for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Double Sugar Coating: Roll your cookies in powdered sugar twice for that perfect snowy finish. It makes for a gorgeous presentation and extra sweetness in every bite!
Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right pecans for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting pecans, look for fresh, whole nuts without any dark spots or shriveled skins. They should have a rich, nutty smell—if they smell rancid, they may be old. If you want to enhance your cookies, consider toasting the pecans in a dry skillet for 5-7 minutes until fragrant, which brings out their flavor even more.
How should I store my snowball cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. If they’re layered in the container, add parchment paper in between to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze snowball cookies, and how do I do it?
Definitely! To freeze your snowball cookies, first let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about an hour. Once they’re firm, transfer the cookies to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container, layering parchment paper in between to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and re-coat in powdered sugar for that fresh-baked look.
My cookies spread too much during baking. What did I do wrong?
Very common! If your cookies spread, it could be due to the dough not being chilled. Be sure to chill the dough for at least an hour before baking to help them keep their shape. Also, ensure the butter is cool (but not cold) when mixing, as overly warm butter can lead to flat cookies. If you used a warm baking sheet, consider letting it cool down or using a new one to yield better results!
Are these snowball cookies safe for pets?
It’s important to note that while these cookies are delicious for us, they should not be shared with pets, especially dogs. The ingredients like butter and sugar can upset their stomachs, and pecans can be harmful in larger quantities. Always keep treats like these away from your furry friends!
Can I substitute any ingredients for allergies?
Absolutely! If you have allergies, you can substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version, taking care to chop them finely. Additionally, you can use coconut oil in place of butter, although the texture and flavour may alter slightly. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the powdered sugar a bit for your desired taste.
Ultimate Snowball Cookies Recipe for Irresistible Holiday Joy
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter cool, not cold
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar for dough
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups White Lily All-Purpose Flour can swap with soft wheat flour
- 1 cup Finely Chopped Pecans can substitute with other nuts
Topping
- 1 cup Extra Powdered Sugar for rolling
Instructions
How to Make Snowball Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the cool unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the White Lily all-purpose flour, stirring until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans until they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing apart.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
- Let the cookies cool and roll them in extra powdered sugar, twice for a festive touch.