Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies

INAYA 3 minutes ago

0 0 3 minutes read

The Story & Intro

If there’s one holiday treat that transports me straight back to cozy winter afternoons, it’s classic pecan snowball cookies. I still remember the first time I made them on my own I was about 12, standing on a chair in my grandmother’s kitchen, powdered sugar everywhere, giggling because the cookies looked like tiny snow-covered mountains. The warm, nutty aroma filled the room, and for a moment, everything felt still and magical. Snowball cookies have that effect they’re simple, humble, but deeply comforting.

And as always, before we dive deeper… let me tell you a little bit about myself because stories are the heart of every recipe I share.

Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the warm, bustling kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

And while French pastries stole my heart early on, American holiday cookies especially classic pecan snowball cookies became a tradition I cherish deeply. They’re buttery, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and sweetened with just the right dusting of snowy powdered sugar. Every bite tastes like a warm hug wrapped in winter nostalgia.

Whenever I bake these, I think of all the women who passed recipes down through laughter, storytelling, and flour-covered hands. Whether your kitchen is messy, busy, or perfectly tidy (lucky you 😄), these cookies bring the joy of simple baking to anyone who tries them.

So grab your apron, my sweet friends we’re making classic pecan snowball cookies that taste like holiday magic.

⏱️ Time

Prep: 15 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes (optional but improves texture)
Bake: 12–15 minutes
Total: About 1 hour

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these buttery, snowy beauties:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Additional powdered sugar for rolling

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This creates the melt-in-the-mouth texture that snowball cookies are famous for.

2. Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract. Simple step, but it adds that lovely warmth and aroma.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour and salt. Don’t overmix stop once everything looks combined and soft.

4. Fold in Pecans

Add your finely chopped pecans and fold them into the dough. The smaller the pieces, the smoother the texture.

5. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

Chilling for at least 30 minutes makes shaping easier and improves the cookie’s structure.

6. Shape Into Balls

Roll tablespoon-sized portions into smooth balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

7. Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden, but the tops remain pale.

8. Roll in Powdered Sugar

While still warm (not hot), roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Let them cool and roll again for that perfect snowy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with hot cocoa, spiced chai, or a warm latte
Add citrus zest to the dough for a fresh twist
Serve them on a holiday platter with gingerbread cookies and shortbread
Dip one half in melted dark chocolate for a luxurious version
Wrap in festive tins for gifts they keep beautifully!

Recipe Card (Printable Style)