Pecan Snowballs

There is a quiet magic in the winter woods when the snow first settles on the pine branches, creating a world of natural white beauty. That stillness inspired me to bake these Pecan Snowballs, which capture that beautiful, snowy aesthetic right in the kitchen. They are simple, buttery, and celebrate the earthy richness of pecans without any fuss.

this Recipe

These cookies are a holiday staple for a reason, bringing a touch of festive cheer to any cookie tray. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a double coating of powdered sugar, they look just like little snowballs ready for a gathering. We are using real butter and plenty of nuts to keep things wholesome and delicious.

A Winter Wonderland in One Bite

You will love how these cookies balance the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the delicate sweetness of confectioners’ sugar. The texture is the real star here—crumbly yet buttery, melting away the moment you take a bite. It is a celebration of simple, natural ingredients coming together to create something that feels special.

Unlike overly processed treats, these rely on the natural fats from the butter and nuts for their richness. They are perfect for gifting because they stay fresh and look absolutely gorgeous in a tin, mimicking the natural beauty of a snowy morning.

Print

Wholesome & Simple Ingredients

To make these cookies shine, we focus on quality staples that you likely have in your pantry. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in such a simple recipe.

• Unsalted Butter: The heart of the cookie. Make sure it is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: This provides the delicate sweetness and the signature snowy coating. We use it both in the dough and for rolling.
• Pecans: The star ingredient. Use fresh pecan halves and chop them very finely. Their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the butter.
• Vanilla Extract: Use real vanilla for a warm, floral note that rounds out the nuttiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure. Measure carefully so the cookies stay tender.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sugar and highlight the pecan flavor.

Bringing the Snowballs to Life

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and the vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be smooth and creamy, setting the stage for a tender cookie.

Step 2: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is just well combined. The dough will be thick and nutty, smelling of fresh butter and earth.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls. The warmth of your hands helps bind them. Place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch them closely; the bottoms should be light golden brown, but the tops should remain pale to keep that snowy look.

Step 4: The Double Roll

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for a moment to set, then transfer to wire racks until they are just warm. Place the remaining confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the warm cookies in the sugar to coat, then return them to the rack to cool completely. Once cool, roll them in the sugar one last time for a thick, snowy finish.

Christine’s Secrets for Melt-Away Texture

For the deepest flavor, I always recommend lightly toasting your pecans before chopping them. It brings out the natural oils and makes the nuttiness more vibrant. Just be sure to let them cool completely before adding them to the dough so they don’t melt the butter.

If you find your dough is a bit crumbly, don’t panic. The warmth of your hands as you roll the balls will help the butter bind the flour and nuts together. For those needing Quick Cookie Solutions, you can prep the dough ahead of time and chill it, just let it soften slightly before rolling.

Also, do not skip the second roll in sugar! The first layer melts slightly into the warm cookie, creating a glaze-like barrier. The second layer is what gives you that fluffy, powdery white appearance that makes these truly look like snowballs.

Natural Color Twists

While the classic white is beautiful, I love adding a touch of natural color to celebrate the seasons. Try grinding freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries into a powder and mixing it with your coating sugar for a lovely pink hue and a burst of tart berry flavor.

For a different nutty profile, walnuts or hazelnuts work beautifully in place of pecans. If you want to make these even more festive, add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm spice note. You can find more inspiration for seasonal baking in our Festive Cookie Moments collection.

Creating a Snowy Spread

These cookies look stunning when piled high on a ceramic platter, resembling a small mountain of snowballs. I love serving them with a hot cup of herbal tea or dark coffee; the bitterness of the drink cuts through the sweetness of the powdered sugar perfectly.

For a holiday gift, pack them in a tin lined with natural parchment paper. They are sturdy enough to travel well and keep fresh for days. If you are planning a large dessert table, check out our Showstopper Cookie Designs for ideas on how to arrange them with other colorful treats.

The Joy of Simple Baking

These Pecan Snowballs are a reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most cherished. They bring a sense of natural beauty and comfort to the kitchen that is hard to beat. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with natural fruit powders, they are sure to be a hit.

For more recipes that celebrate the joy of baking, explore our Ultimate Cookie Favorites. We hope this recipe brings a little winter magic to your home!

Share your baking moments with us:

• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Facebook
• X