Sometimes called Russian tea cookies or Mexican wedding cookies, Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday spirit. Their buttery, nutty flavor and tender texture make them perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. These cookies are not only easy to make but also visually appealing when dusted with powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Nutty Flavor – The finely chopped pecans add a rich and unique taste that elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary.
- Quick Preparation – With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
- Versatile Treat – Perfect for holidays, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with something special.
- Easy to Customize – Feel free to explore variations by adding different nuts or flavor extracts to suit your preferences.
- Fun for All Ages – Baking these cookies is a great activity to enjoy with family and friends, creating sweet memories in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. Gathering your equipment will streamline the process and help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cookie scoop
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer – These tools make mixing ingredients effortless and ensure a smooth dough consistency.
- Mixing bowls – Having multiple sizes helps organize your ingredients during preparation.
- Cookie scoop – This handy tool ensures uniform cookie sizes, making for even baking and presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 3/4 cup Pecans (finely chopped)
- 2 ¼ cups All purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Almond extract
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (and more for dusting)
How to Make Pecan Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is vital as it ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecans
Finely chop the pecans until they are in small pieces. This will help distribute their flavor throughout the cookies.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. Stir with a whisk until well mixed.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl set on medium speed, beat together the room-temperature butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar until creamy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture in half-cup increments until it forms a dough-like consistency.
Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, form balls of dough and roll them gently in your hands until they’re smooth.
Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave about 1/2 inch to 1 inch between each ball since they won’t spread significantly while baking.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly golden but not browned.
Step 9: Cool Slightly
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes or until manageable.
Step 10: Dust with Powdered Sugar
Roll each warm cookie ball in powdered sugar before placing them on a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Final Dusting
For an extra touch of sweetness, roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar again before serving.
With this easy recipe for Pecan Snowball Cookies, you’ll create delightful treats that bring warmth and joy to any occasion!
How to Serve Pecan Snowball Cookies
Pecan snowball cookies are delightful treats that bring joy to any gathering or celebration. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with these delicious cookies.
With a Cup of Coffee
- Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee creates a perfect balance of flavors. The rich, nutty taste complements the coffee’s boldness beautifully.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange pecan snowball cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. This colorful display will be the highlight of your dessert table.
With Hot Chocolate
- Enjoying these cookies with a mug of hot chocolate makes for a cozy treat. The sweetness of the cookies pairs wonderfully with the creamy chocolate drink.
For Gift Giving
- Package these cookies in decorative boxes or tins as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They make excellent homemade gifts during the holiday season.
At Holiday Parties
- Serve pecan snowball cookies at your holiday parties as a delightful addition to the dessert menu. Guests will appreciate this classic treat.
How to Perfect Pecan Snowball Cookies
Perfecting pecan snowball cookies is easy with some simple tips. Here are ways to ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh pecans and butter for the best flavor. Stale ingredients can dull the taste of your cookies.
Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft, chill it for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
Don’t Overbake: Watch closely while baking; remove them when they are just set but not browned. This keeps them soft and tender.
Double Coat in Powdered Sugar: For an extra sweet touch, roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar twice. This gives them a lovely snowy appearance and added sweetness.
Best Side Dishes for Pecan Snowball Cookies
These delightful cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of pecan snowball cookies perfectly.
- Cheese Platter: Combine a selection of cheeses with nuts and dried fruits as a savory contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea is an aromatic pairing that enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies.
- Cinnamon Rolls: Offer baked cinnamon rolls as an additional sweet treat that complements the flavors in your cookie spread.
- Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate for dipping; this interactive option adds fun and indulgence to your serving experience.
- Nut Medley: A mix of roasted nuts can provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of snowball cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that offers freshness alongside your sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pecan Snowball Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using cold butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature. Cold butter makes it hard to achieve a creamy texture.
- Skipping the pecan chop: Don’t forget to finely chop the pecans. Large pieces won’t blend well and can affect the cookie texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon and level method for accurate flour measurement. Too much flour can make your cookies dry.
- Ignoring cooling time: Allow cookies to cool before rolling in powdered sugar. This helps the sugar stick better for that perfect finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Layer cookies with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pecan Snowball Cookies.
How can I customize Pecan Snowball Cookies?
You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavor. Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds too!
Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer different flavors in your snowball cookies.
Are Pecan Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
What occasions are best for serving these cookies?
Pecan Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, family events, or cozy winter nights at home.
Final Thoughts
Pecan Snowball Cookies are an irresistible treat that brings warmth and joy during any occasion. Their delightful flavors and soft textures make them a favorite among cookie lovers. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins and enjoy sharing this classic recipe with friends and family!
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Pecan Snowball Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that embodies the warmth and joy of festive gatherings. With their rich, buttery flavor, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy moments with a cup of tea. Dusted in powdered sugar, they resemble little snowballs, adding a touch of charm to any dessert table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (additional for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Finely chop the pecans.
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, chopped pecans, and salt.
- In a large bowl or mixer, beat the butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Gradually add the flour mixture until combined into a dough.
- Form dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar and then cool completely on a rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
