Pecan Snowball Cookies
Have you ever had something that just takes you back to your childhood? For me, it’s having this cookie at Christmas. My mom made these cookies almost every year while I was growing up. We never had them at any other time during the year, so I think that made them even more special! I’ve carried on the tradition of making them and every time I do, I can’t help but think of wonderful memories of Christmases from years ago.
This sweet little cookie is so delicious and just melts in your mouth. I’ve seen other people change it up a bit by using different ingredients. Maybe they will leave the pecans out of the cookie, or replace it with another nut like walnuts or almonds. If that is your preference, you can do this. I’ve never been able to bring myself to change anything about this cookie, because to me it is perfection just the way it it!
You want to be sure to make these small. As you can see from the recipe, you only want to take about one tablespoon of dough to roll in your hands for each cookie. Basically, you are making a bite-sized cookie. So pop the whole thing in your mouth and just savor each little flavor and texture that this cookie brings. You won’t be disappointed!
Rolling in Powdered Sugar
You may want to experiment with not rolling in powdered sugar, or only rolling them once. If you want a cookie that’s not very sweet, you can leave it off. However, I will tell you that the powdered sugar helps with the texture of this cookie as well. Since you roll them in the powdered sugar while the cookie is still warm, it almost helps to lock in some of the moisture and keep the snowballs from drying out. That second coating of powdered sugar adds to the sweetness, but also helps the texture to have staying power! These cookies store very nicely for days in a sealed container. Warning: once people discover them, they may not last for days anyway! Haha.
Do NOT Overbake!
This is one of the most important things about Snowballs! You do not want these cookies to be brown at all. I have found that in my oven, I bake them exactly 7 minutes. No longer! They are perfect at that point and any longer would tend to make a cookie that’s more dry – and we don’t want that!
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Snowballs! My mother used to do that often. You will want to be sure they are sealed well, and then you can freeze them. They should probably do well if you freeze them for up to a month.
That makes it easy to make these ahead of time, which is always a plus when it comes to Christmas baking!
Snowball Cookies (aka Russian Tea Cakes)
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups plain all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cups finely chopped pecans can use walnuts or almonds if preferred
- More powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Mix butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until combined well.
- Add flour and salt and mix until dough comes together.
- Add the pecans and mix just until they are mixed throughout.
- Take about 1 Tablespoon of cookie dough and roll into your hand until roundish. Lay them on parchcment lined cookie sheets, leaving a little room between them. They won't expand much, but you don't want them to touch as they bake.
- Bake in 375 degree oven for 7-8 minutes. Do not overbake! You don't want them to turn brown.
- Let them cool just for a minute or two, but then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. Once they are cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again.
- Enjoy!
haven’t tried it yet, but looks yummy.
Thank you! Hope you love it!
how many cookies does this yield Approximately?
This recipe typically makes 24-30 cookies, depending on size! Enjoy. 🙂
It doesn’t say salted or unsalted butter
You could use either. I almost always used salted!
100% delicious. answering easy. Mainly only 6 ingredients. Easy. Delicious.
I cant get the 5th star to light up. So this is a 5 STAR rating
Thank you so much! 🙂
I’m making this for my Thanksgiving dinner. I particularly don’t care for pumpkin, but everyone else in my family does so I’m gonna give them all a big
I love these! I only make them at Christmas, but they would be delicious at Thanksgiving too!
thank you for such a wonderful and fun and informative video. Great Job!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you liked it!
I’m 73 and this has been the best little cookie throughout the years. Thank you for the recipe. Merry Christmas.
It’s one of my favorites for Christmas! Merry Christmas to you as well!
This is an easy recipe with delicious results!
So glad you enjoyed it!
These are by far my personal
Favorite!!! Not only are they easy to make with just a few ingredients, they are absolutely delicious!!! Thank you for this recipe! I’ll be using it for years to come I’m sure.
Wonderful! I’m so glad you found the recipe!