These Pecan Cookie Balls are a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines buttery, nutty flavors with a sweet dusting of powdered sugar. Known for their tender texture and rich taste, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you’re in the mood for something sweet and delicate.
Buttery, Nutty, and Sweetly Dusted
These cookies, often known as “Snowball Cookies” or “Russian Tea Cakes,” have a wonderfully crumbly texture that melts in your mouth with each bite. Rolling them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm adds a light sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
- Serving: About 24-30 cookies
- Equipment: Mixing bowls, baking sheets, wire racks
Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe:
Here’s how to create these melt-in-your-mouth pecan cookie balls that are sure to be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for rolling
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes and helps to create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and form a soft dough.
- Shape Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart as they won’t spread much.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. The cookies should be firm to the touch but maintain their pale color.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets. While they are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. This step helps the sugar adhere for a beautifully snowy appearance.
- Cool and Roll Again: Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely, then roll them once more in powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy Your Cookies
These Pecan Cookie Balls are perfect for holiday celebrations, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. With their buttery, nutty flavor and light dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy each melt-in-your-mouth bite of these delightful pecan treats!