Few treats capture pure cookie bliss quite like Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies. Imagine a buttery, nutty cookie that crumbles tenderly on the tongue, blanketed in a generous drift of powdered sugar. These cookies are a celebration of everything cozy and nostalgic, with toasty pecans and a delicate, meltaway texture that disappears with each bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply need a sweet pick-me-up, this is the recipe friends and family will request again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples can bake up into such magic. Each ingredient in these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies is carefully chosen to create their signature taste and those irresistibly tender interiors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The all-star for melt-in-your-mouth texture; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup, plus more for rolling): This gives the cookies their signature sweetness and that lovely coating that truly makes them “snowballs.”
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Just the right amount for fragrant, classic flavor in every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure while still keeping the cookies light and tender.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 ½ cups): The nutty heart of the recipe—toast them first for even deeper flavor.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Just enough to balance and brighten all that buttery sweetness.
How to Make Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes for easier cleanup and gives the cookies perfectly smooth bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This step is key for the light, melt-in-your-mouth texture—cream long enough so there are no lumps and the mixture is fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract. This simple addition makes the dough smell like heaven and adds a subtle warmth that makes these cookies so comforting.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; over-mixing can toughen the cookies. The dough should be thick but soft, easily holding together.
Step 5: Stir in the Pecans
Add the finely chopped pecans and gently fold them into the dough. You’ll see the dough flecked with crunchy nut bits, which promise toasty flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small amounts of dough (about a tablespoon) and roll them between your palms into neat, 1-inch balls. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, with about an inch of space between for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. They’re done when the bottoms are just barely golden—don’t let the tops brown. This preserves that delicate “snowball” appearance and the meltaway crumb.
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar—Two Times!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then, while they’re still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. This first coat melts slightly into the cookies. Once they’ve cooled completely, roll them again for a perfectly snowy finish that clings to every crevice.
How to Serve Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
A classic snowy look is best with these cookies, but you can sprinkle a touch of finely chopped pecans or a hint of edible glitter to give your Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies extra sparkle for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot mug of coffee, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a pot of spiced tea. Their delicate sweetness also makes them a lovely companion to tart fruits or a light citrusy sorbet.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the cookies into little “snowball mountains” on a holiday platter, or nestle them in festive tins layered with wax paper for gifting. For parties, fill mini cupcake wrappers with each cookie and arrange on a tiered cake stand for an elegant display. The adorable look of Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies always draws a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll retain their tender texture and sweet coating for up to a week—if they last that long!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in layers, with parchment or wax paper between, inside a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature, and if you’d like, roll them in a little more powdered sugar to refresh that snowy look.
Reheating
For a just-baked feel, pop the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 2–3 minutes—not to heat, but to freshen. Cool and dust with extra powdered sugar if needed. They’ll feel (and taste) like you just rolled them out of the kitchen.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and delicious, you can try walnuts or finely chopped almonds for a new twist. Just keep the amounts the same and be sure to chop your nuts finely for the best melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Why roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first roll, while the cookies are warm, creates a delicious, slightly sticky coating as the sugar melts in. The second roll gives each cookie a thick, snowy blanket, creating the iconic look and extra sweetness that defines Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
Toasting is optional but highly recommended! Toasted pecans add deeper flavor and a touch more crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough can be prepared ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before rolling into balls so the cookies bake up evenly tender.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven?
Be sure your butter isn’t melted, just softened, and avoid overmixing. Also, a brief 10–15 minute chill of the dough balls before baking will help keep the cookies nice and round, capturing that classic snowball shape.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss but deeply satisfying cookie recipe, you truly can’t go wrong with these Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies. They’re simple, festive, and always bring a smile to the table. Whip up a batch. I can promise from my own kitchen adventures—these little snowballs disappear fast!
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Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Melt-In-Your-Mouth Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat with a buttery, nutty flavor and a snowy coating of powdered sugar. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet, meltaway cookie.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract. Gradually mix in flour and salt, then stir in chopped pecans.
- Form the cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Coat the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool briefly, then roll them in powdered sugar while warm. Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Toast the pecans before chopping for enhanced flavor.
- These cookies are great for gifting and can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
