Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – A Timeless Melt-In-Your-Mouth Classic

Few cookies capture the magic of the holidays and the comfort of home baking quite like
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. These delicate, powder-coated treats are famous
for their soft, crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor that quite literally melts in your mouth.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and nutty depth, making them a beloved
staple across generations.

Known by many names—snowball cookies, Mexican wedding cookies, or pecan crescents—this classic
dessert has stood the test of time for a reason. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the
quality of each component to shine, while the technique ensures a cookie that is tender, fragrant,
and irresistibly rich.

What makes these cookies truly special is their texture. Unlike chewy or crisp cookies, snowballs
are intentionally delicate. The high butter content, minimal moisture, and finely chopped pecans
work together to create a soft, shortbread-like consistency that dissolves on the tongue.

Ingredients and Why Each One Matters

All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups)

Flour forms the structural backbone of the cookie. Using standard all-purpose flour ensures the
dough holds together while remaining tender. Too much flour would make the cookies dry, while too
little would prevent them from holding their iconic round shape.

Powdered Sugar (½ cup, for the dough)

Powdered sugar is essential for achieving the signature soft texture of snowball cookies.
Unlike granulated sugar, it dissolves effortlessly into the butter, eliminating graininess and
creating a smooth, delicate crumb. It also adds sweetness without making the cookies spread.

Salt (a pinch)

Even in sweet baking, salt plays a critical role. A small pinch enhances the buttery richness
and brings out the natural sweetness of the pecans. Without it, the cookies would taste flat
and one-dimensional.

Unsalted Butter (2 sticks, room temperature)

Butter is the heart of this recipe. It provides flavor, tenderness, and richness. Using butter
at room temperature allows it to cream smoothly with the sugar, creating a light dough that
bakes evenly. Unsalted butter gives you complete control over flavor balance.

Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons)

Vanilla adds warmth and depth, rounding out the buttery flavor profile. Though subtle, it
enhances every other ingredient and gives the cookies their classic bakery aroma.

Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped)

Pecans bring texture, flavor, and richness to these cookies. Finely chopping them ensures
even distribution throughout the dough, allowing every bite to contain nutty goodness without
overpowering the delicate structure of the cookie.

Powdered Sugar (1 cup, for coating)

The final coating of powdered sugar creates the iconic “snowball” appearance. Beyond visual
appeal, it adds a light sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the buttery interior.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Snowball Cookies

Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for
snowball cookies because it allows them to bake gently without browning too quickly.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them with butter. Proper preparation
ensures the cookies release easily and bake evenly from edge to center.

Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature unsalted butter and the
½ cup powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle
attachment, cream the mixture on medium speed until it becomes pale, light, and fluffy.

This step is crucial for texture. Proper creaming incorporates air into the dough, which helps
create that signature tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Take your time here—rushing this
step can result in dense cookies.

Add Vanilla and Salt

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, mix in the vanilla extract and
a small pinch of salt. These ingredients may seem minor, but they play a vital
role in enhancing flavor. The vanilla provides warmth, while the salt balances sweetness and
deepens the buttery notes.

Incorporate the Flour Gradually

Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour, one
portion at a time. Mixing slowly prevents overworking the dough, which is essential for keeping
the cookies soft and delicate rather than tough.

Stop mixing as soon as the flour is fully incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which would
compromise the crumbly, shortbread-like texture that snowball cookies are known for.

Fold in the Pecans

Using a spatula, gently fold in the finely chopped pecans. This method ensures
the nuts are evenly distributed without breaking down the dough structure. Each cookie should
contain a balanced amount of pecans for consistent flavor and crunch.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop out small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them
gently between your palms to form smooth balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets,
leaving about 1½ inches of space between each cookie.

These cookies will not spread much, which is exactly what you want. Their round shape helps
them bake evenly and gives them their classic snowball appearance.