Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: 5-min, best, delish, easy.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are my little delight. When time is tight, I crave warm, festive treats. I love this classic recipe for creamy butter and toasted pecans. They finish snowy and light in just a few steps. These cookies bake quickly and hold their shape. They shine on trays or gift tins. Ideal for Christmas, winter nights, or a busy week. They bring comforting, nutty sweetness in every bite. Let’s walk through how to make them together, with tips that fit a packed schedule.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies: what makes this recipe special

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies stand out for me because they blend warmth with ease.

When time is tight, I reach for this recipe and smile.

The cookies deliver buttery tenderness, toasted pecans, and a snowy finish without drama.

I love how quickly they come together, yet feel like a holiday hug.

These snowball cookies travel well and stay tender, making gifting simple.

Let me walk you through what makes them special.

You’ll find the snowy exterior irresistible at a glance.

And yes, they come together in minutes, with minimal cleanup.

They disappear quickly at gatherings, and neighbors will ask for the recipe.

Why busy moms and professionals will love it

Between school runs, meetings, and late nights, I crave fast wins.

This cookie recipe keeps cleanup small and steps simple.

It delivers reliable results, so I can stretch time for other tasks.

A holiday crowd-pleaser that travels well

This batch makes a lovely gift and tray centerpiece.

The snowy sugar exterior catches the eye, even from across the room.

Wrap a tin, add a ribbon, and you’re done.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. Each item is measured for quick, reliable baking. Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and printable there.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened — the rich, tender base; unsalted helps control the salt level.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar — sweetness and a silky dough; you’ll roll in more after baking.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — warm vanilla notes; if you like a nutty edge, use 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour — gives structure; for a gluten-free version, use 2 1/4 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt — enhances flavor; adjust if your butter is salted.
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans — toasty and crunchy; toast lightly for deeper aroma.
• Additional powdered sugar for rolling — extra on hand for that snowy finish.

Optional substitutions and tips:

• Gluten-free option: use 2 1/4 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour in place of all-purpose flour.
• Flavor tweak: replace vanilla with 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Nut swaps: you can use walnuts or almonds in place of pecans, same quantity.
• For deeper pecan flavor, add 1 tablespoon finely ground pecan meal to the dough.

How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

I love making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies when my schedule is tight.

The recipe moves fast and tastes like a holiday hug.

I mix softened butter with powdered sugar until fluffy, then invite vanilla to the party.

If the dough is soft, I chill it for 15 minutes.

Step 1: Prep and Cream

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.

I cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Stir in vanilla until fragrant.

If the dough is soft, chill 15 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Combine flour and salt in a separate bowl.

Add flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

The dough will be slightly crumbly but still workable.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Scoop 1-inch balls and place on the sheet, spaced evenly.

Bake 12–15 minutes until bottoms are pale and set.

Let cookies cool 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.

Once cooled, dust again for a snowy finish.

Tips for Success

• If the dough is soft, I chill 15 minutes.
• I toast pecans lightly for deeper aroma.
• I use unsalted butter so salt stays balanced.
• Roll warm cookies gently for the best snowy coating.
• Dust with extra powdered sugar after cooling.
• I keep portions uniform to ensure Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies bake evenly.
• Cool on the sheet briefly before rolling again.
• Store in an airtight tin to preserve tenderness.
• Label batch with date to track freshness.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from sun.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl and a mixer (or a strong whisk or wooden spoon) for creaming butter and sugar.
• Measuring cups and spoons to keep accuracy.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat and a rimmed baking sheet.
• Cooling rack for cookies to rest.
• 1-inch cookie scoop or tablespoon for even dough balls.

Variations

• Nut swaps: Swap pecans for toasted walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Toast the nuts 5–7 minutes for deeper flavor, then chop finely for even distribution.
• Gluten-free option: Use 2¼ cups gluten-free 1:1 flour in place of all-purpose flour. If your GF blend lacks binding, add a pinch (about 1/8–1/4 tsp) of xanthan gum.
• Dairy-free version: Replace unsalted butter with a vegan butter. Dough will still come together; chill a bit longer if it feels sticky.
• Flavor boosts: Add ½ tsp almond extract or 1 tsp citrus zest (orange or lemon) for brightness. A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom also works beautifully.
• Texture tweaks: Bake 1–2 minutes longer for slightly crisper edges, or 2 minutes less for a softer, more tender center.
• Coating twists: After cooling, dip or drizzle with melted chocolate, or dust with a cinnamon-sugar mix for a warm, dessert-bar vibe.
• Mini and batch variations: Roll ½ inch balls for bite-sized snowballs and bake 10–11 minutes. This makes a larger tray and faster snack options.
• Nut-free option: If you need nut-free, substitute finely shredded coconut or toasted sunflower seeds in place of pecans. Expect a subtle flavor shift and different texture.

Why You’ll Love This Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

I reach for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies on busy days.
They come together in minutes and bake with almost no fuss.
The snowy finish and rich, buttery center feel like a hug.

Creamy butter and toasted pecans melt in every bite.
They hold their shape for trays and gifts alike.
Giftable, quick to bake, and perfect for holiday moments.

Cleanup is simple, with minimal dishes.
The aroma fills my kitchen and makes them irresistible.
This recipe earns smiles in minutes, again and again.

Serving Suggestions

I love presenting Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies on a festive platter. Pair them with coffee or hot cocoa for cozy gatherings. Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra snow.

• Best with coffee or hot cocoa.
• Display on a festive tray with a ribbon.
• Pair with milk for kids and adults.

Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Giftable Ideas and Make-Ahead Tips

I love turning Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies into thoughtful gifts. They stay tender, look festive, and travel well. With a few simple packaging tricks, you can create a tin that feels handmade and heartfelt in minutes.

Gift-ready packaging ideas

• Classic decorative tin: line with parchment, layer 6–10 cookies per level, seal with a lid and a ribbon.
• Cellophane bags: 6 cookies per bag, tied with baker’s twine and a gift tag.
• Small glass jars: stack cookies with tissue between layers; add a label and a tiny scoop.
• Festive gift boxes: a two- or three-layer box with parchment between layers for neat presentation.
• Personal touch tag: include a handwritten note with serving tips and a date.
• Gifting combo: pair cookies with a sachet of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy gift.

Make-ahead strategies

• Bake ahead for up to 2–3 days; store airtight at room temp to keep the snow-like coating intact.
• Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months; thaw 15–20 minutes and dust with sugar.
• Freeze dough: form 1-inch balls on a sheet, freeze solid, then bag; bake from frozen, 2–3 minutes longer.
• Label with a “Best by” date and hold the coating until just before gifting.

Gifting tips and ideas

• Include a recipe card or a QR code linking to the full recipe for easy sharing.
• Pair with a mug and a small cocoa mix for a cozy set.
• Write a short note about why you chose these cookies for them.
• Use airtight packaging to keep the snow-finish pristine.

With these ideas, your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies become a warm, shareable hug in a tin.

FAQs

How should I store Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies to keep them fresh?

Store Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days; for longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to three months and thaw at room temperature before dusting with extra powdered sugar if you want a brighter snowy finish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes. For gluten-free, use 2 1/4 cups gluten-free 1:1 flour; you may need a pinch of xanthan gum if your blend lacks binding. For dairy-free, swap in a plant-based butter; the dough will come together, but you may need a touch more chilling if it feels sticky. These tweaks keep Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies deliciously tender.

Can I freeze the dough or the baked cookies?

Both work. Freeze formed 1-inch dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a bag for up to three months. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time; you can also freeze baked cookies for a couple of months and re-dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How do I get the perfect snowy coating?

Dust the cookies while they are warm so the powdered sugar clings as the cookies set; for a thicker snow look, roll again in powdered sugar once completely cooled. Make sure the cookies are pale and not overbaked so the coating sticks well and stays tender. For Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, this is the magic moment that makes them feel festive.

Final Thoughts

Making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies always restores my kitchen confidence. In minutes, I coax butter, sugar, and pecans into a forgiving dough. The snowy finish feels like a celebratory kiss for every busy day. I love gifting them, watching neighbors light up as the tins open. These cookies remind me that comfort can be quick, simple, and truly special. When I taste one, worries soften and my smile widens. If your schedule is crowded, remember this recipe travels well and asks little. It’s my edible hello to friends, family, and every holiday in between. May your moments taste as warm.

Print