Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamt of buttery, nutty goodness that melts in your mouth and coats your fingertips in a cloud of sweet powdered sugar, this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe will be your new go-to delight. These cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, are simple to make yet taste utterly magical: toasty pecans, tender, crumbly cookie, all wrapped in a sparkling sugar cloak. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or just cozy afternoons, this recipe promises irresistible bites that disappear in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those recipes where a handful of simple, everyday ingredients work together to create pure magic. Each component adds something special, whether it’s richness, texture, or that sweet snowy finish.
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The base of the cookie; brings richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for rolling): Adds subtle sweetness and, when rolled, gives the cookies their iconic snowy look.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic note that compliments pecans beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): Gives structure to your cookie balls, keeping them tender but not too crumbly.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and balances all the sweetness.
- Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped): Toasty, buttery pecans provide the signature crunch and flavor of these classic treats.
How to Make Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your cookie dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes and ensures your cookies are perfectly tender. After this, blend in the vanilla extract to envelop the base with a gentle warmth.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing gently so the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it — you want to maintain that gorgeous crumbly texture that truly defines this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This way, every cookie ball will have that lovely nutty crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Shape the Cookie Balls
Scoop out the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about an inch apart (these beauties don’t really spread, so you can fit quite a few per tray).
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide those trays into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden bottoms but still pale, delicate tops. Remove from the oven and give them 5 minutes to cool slightly; this helps them firm up just enough to handle the sugar bath!
Step 7: Sugar-Coat (Twice!)
While the cookies are still warm (but not piping hot!), gently roll each one in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely on a rack, then roll them in sugar again for an extra snowy coating that makes your Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Dust the finished cookies with one last flourish of powdered sugar just before serving for serious visual impact. A few extra chopped pecans scattered on the serving plate can also highlight their nutty charm.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful bites with a cup of hot cocoa, strong coffee, or even spiced tea. Their gentle sweetness balances perfectly with your favorite cozy sips, making afternoon tea or dessert time extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Package the cookies in decorative tins or clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a homemade gift. Layer them in festive boxes with parchment between the layers, or serve on a tiered stand for a touch of vintage holiday flair during gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe treats fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week (though good luck making them last that long!) and remain tender and flavorful.
Freezing
Freeze the baked cookies in single layers separated by parchment in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, then roll in an extra dusting of powdered sugar to refresh their magical, snowy look.
Reheating
These cookies are meant to be enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to freshen day-old or thawed treats, warm them briefly (just a minute or so) in a low oven. Remember to re-roll in powdered sugar if you want that pristine finish!
FAQs
Can I use walnuts or other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or even hazelnuts make a fun twist, though pecans are classic. Whatever you choose, make sure to chop them finely for the best texture in this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first rolling helps the sugar cling while the cookie is warm, forming a beautiful base coating. The second coating gives that extra powdery, snowy look that makes the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe so enchanting and festive.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to soften up before rolling into balls and baking.
What’s the best way to chop the pecans?
A food processor or mini chopper works wonders, but you can also use a knife. Aim for fine, even pieces so they blend smoothly into the dough and every bite in your Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe has that nutty crunch.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
As written, this recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try a good 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the flour for a gluten-free version of the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special gift, or just to spoil yourself a little, this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe is always a hit. Each bite delivers old-fashioned comfort and a sprinkle of joy. Gather your ingredients, turn up your oven, and share this sweet delight with everyone you love!
Print
Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookie balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these delectable Pecan Cookie Balls, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies. These buttery, nutty treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until combined. Fold in the pecans.
- Form dough balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Roll in powdered sugar: While still warm, roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar, then let cool completely. Roll in powdered sugar a second time before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- These cookies are often called Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies.
- Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie ball
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
