Every family has that one cookie that feels like Christmas, and for mine, it’s these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies. Every December, I pull out the same mixing bowl my grandmother used, melt the butter, and toast the pecans just right. The house fills with a nutty, buttery aroma that instantly feels like home. These cookies are soft, crumbly, and coated in a blanket of powdered sugar — like tiny snowballs straight from the oven.
I remember my grandma making dozens of them to tuck into tins for neighbors. She called them “wedding cookies,” but to me, they’ll always be Christmas snowballs. They’re that perfect mix of rich, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that no holiday cookie platter is complete without.
If you’ve tried my Frosted Christmas Brownies or Christmas Fruit Cake, you’ll love how these snowballs bring the same comforting, homemade warmth with half the work.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by toasting your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, just until fragrant. This deepens their flavor and gives the cookies their signature warmth.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla, then gradually add flour and salt. Once the dough starts coming together, fold in the toasted pecans.
- Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Once cooled completely, roll them again.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The Story Behind These Snowballs
A Simple Tradition That Stuck
It’s funny how recipes travel through generations. These cookies were passed down from my grandmother to my mom, and now they’re a December staple in my own kitchen. The first time I made them myself, I forgot to toast the pecans — a rookie mistake. The flavor wasn’t the same. Once I learned that secret step, they became irresistible: buttery, nutty, and light enough to melt between your fingers.
For another sweet family recipe, check out my Grinch Dip. It’s just as nostalgic and makes every dessert table a little more fun.
Why These Cookies Are So Special
Unlike frosted cookies or sugar-heavy treats, these snowballs get their flavor from the simplicity of butter, pecans, and sugar. They aren’t overly sweet, which makes them perfect alongside cocoa or coffee. They crumble softly when you bite into them, and that powdered sugar coating gives them their signature “snowy” look.
Ingredients for Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
How to Make Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Start by toasting your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, just until fragrant. This deepens their flavor and gives the cookies their signature warmth.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla, then gradually add flour and salt. Once the dough starts coming together, fold in the toasted pecans. The mixture will be thick but soft.
Step 3: Shape and Chill
Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for about 30 minutes — this helps the cookies keep their round shape while baking.
Step 4: Bake and Coat
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool slightly, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. Once cooled completely, roll them again for that perfect snow-dusted finish.
If you love buttery, shortbread-style cookies, you’ll also adore my Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies — they’ve got a fun twist with pretzels and chocolate but share that same melt-in-your-mouth magic.
The Secret to Perfect Snowballs
Use Real Butter
Butter is the heart of these cookies — don’t substitute it. Its richness is what gives the dough that tender, crumbly texture. Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level yourself.
Toast Your Pecans
Never skip this step. Toasting adds a warm, nutty aroma that transforms these cookies from good to unforgettable. Just be careful not to burn them — they toast quickly.
For more tips on balancing flavors in baked treats, see my simple guide in Sweet Potato Bowl Recipes.
How to Store and Gift These Cookies
Storing Snowball Cookies
Store your snowball cookies in an airtight tin at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for up to two months. If freezing, layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They thaw quickly and stay as delicate as the day they were baked.
Gifting Tips
These cookies are made for gifting. Pack them in small boxes lined with tissue or tuck a few into mason jars with festive ribbons. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee and a jar of Creamy Bacon Potato Soup mix for a sweet and savory holiday basket.
Tips for Success
- Use finely chopped pecans so the dough holds together evenly.
- Chill the dough before baking to help the cookies maintain their round shape.
- Roll in powdered sugar twice — once warm, once cool — for the perfect finish.
- Always bake on parchment for easy cleanup and even baking.
If you’re planning a full Christmas baking day, my One Pot Potato Soup is the perfect cozy meal to simmer while your cookies bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did my cookies flatten?
The dough was likely too warm. Make sure to chill the dough before baking so the butter firms up again.
2. Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds both work beautifully, but pecans give the richest flavor.
3. How do I keep the sugar from melting?
Let the cookies cool slightly before the first sugar roll — if they’re too hot, the sugar will dissolve.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and they’ll bake up just as tender.
Conclusion
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are everything the holidays should be — simple, nostalgic, and filled with love. They don’t need frosting, sprinkles, or fancy shapes to shine. One bite, and you’re instantly reminded that the best Christmas memories often come from the simplest recipes.
Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting to friends, or sneaking one before dinner (no judgment here), these cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday traditions.
For even more Christmas inspiration, pair them with my Grinch Dip or a warm mug of Creamy Bacon Potato Soup — because there’s nothing better than sweet cookies and cozy soup on a winter evening.