There’s something magical about a cookie that melts in your mouth. These Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies capture that perfect balance — soft, crumbly, and lightly sweet, with the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans. Whether it’s the holiday season or just a cozy afternoon craving, these little snowballs bring a touch of nostalgia and homemade comfort to any table.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine 2¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add 2 sticks of room-temperature butter and mix until the dough begins to come together. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 cup of finely chopped pecans, blending until every bit of nutty goodness is evenly spread throughout.
Once the dough is soft and smooth, roll it into small balls — about one inch in size — and place them two inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the bottoms turn light golden and the tops remain pale. This gives the cookies their signature delicate, crumbly texture. Let them cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to rest for a few minutes.
While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar, coating each one for that classic snowball look. Once cooled completely, roll them a second time for an extra dusting of sweetness. The result is a cookie that’s buttery, nutty, and perfectly festive. Pair them with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk, and store any extras in an airtight container — though chances are, they’ll disappear long before the week is over.