Name: Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup finely chopped pecans; 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling

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Picture this: a plate of dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that practically whisper holidays, celebrations, and cozy kitchens. That’s exactly what you get with this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe, a classic treat also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies. Buttery, nutty, and oh-so-adorable dusted in snowy sugar, these little gems are impossible to resist—and they’re shockingly simple to make, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your spatula into the world of homemade cookies.

Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real magic of the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe lies in its modest ingredient list. Each component has a delicious job to do, coming together to create an irresistible cookie with the perfect crumb and flavor. Let’s break down why these pantry staples are absolute musts:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides that rich, tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave in every bite.
Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup plus 1 cup for rolling): Adds a delicate sweetness and gives the cookies their signature snowy finish; no gritty texture here.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and gives a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with pecans.
All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The backbone of the dough, ensuring just the right amount of structure—never dense, always tender.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Turns all that buttery sweetness up a notch by adding balance and depth.
Finely Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Offer a lovely crunch and toasted, nutty flavor in every morsel.

How to Make Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so nothing sticks and clean-up stays a breeze. This step sets you up for stress-free cookie love!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until it’s light, pale, and fluffy. Take your time here—the air you whip in now sets the stage for ethereal, tender cookies later.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Bump up the flavor by beating in the vanilla extract. Don’t be shy—give it a good mix so every bite is infused with that deliciously warm aroma.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now, gradually sift in the flour and salt, stirring gently as you go. The key is to avoid over-mixing; stop as soon as everything comes together for a soft, scoopable dough.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans

With a spatula (or even your hands), gently fold in the finely chopped pecans. You want them evenly distributed so every cookie gets a little crunch and flavor.

Step 6: Shape the Cookie Balls

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls—think about the size of a walnut. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets, giving them room to puff up slightly while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your cookies into the oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops stay pale. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure happiness!

Step 8: Sugar-Coat the Warm Cookies

Let the cookies cool for just 5 minutes. While still warm (but not molten!), roll each one in powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar cling, creating a sweet, supple shell.

Step 9: Cool and Finish with a Final Dusting

Place your sugar-dusted cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Then, for that dreamy snowball look, roll them in powdered sugar once more before serving. Your Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe is now ready to share and savor!

How to Serve Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

Garnishes

While the classic double-dust of powdered sugar is a showstopper, you can dress them up with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a dash of cocoa powder for a festive twist. Arrange on a pretty platter for a visually stunning display that matches their taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe with a pot of strong coffee, hot cocoa, or a delicate tea for the ultimate afternoon treat. They also sit beautifully beside simple fruit—think orange slices or a handful of berries—to brighten up a holiday cookie spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re gifting or serving at a party, pile these cookies into cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or display them in a glass jar for some sweet, snowy magic. Another fun idea? Layer them with fresh rosemary sprigs or dried cranberries for a charming, rustic vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature—just store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for about a week (if you can make them last that long!).

Freezing

Craving cookies on demand? Freeze the fully baked (and cooled) cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When stashing them away, separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking and preserve that perfect snowy finish.

Reheating

Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to freshen them up, pop them into a 300°F oven for about 2 minutes. Just remember to give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar afterward for that signature look and taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts all work wonderfully if you want to experiment with flavors or use what you have on hand.

Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first rolling coats the cookies while they are a bit warm, making the sugar almost melt into the surface. The second dusting gives them that bright, festive finish and ensures every bite has sweetness.

Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting is optional, but it does deepen the pecan flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Just a few minutes in a skillet or oven brings out their best qualities!

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The bottoms should be a soft golden color and the tops still pale. Be careful not to overbake, or you’ll lose their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Is this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe gluten-free?

As written, it isn’t gluten-free, but you can try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for similar results. Just keep an eye on the texture when mixing the dough and baking.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe is the kind of treat that brings instant joy, whether you’re baking for a big gathering or just for yourself with a cup of coffee. Go ahead, share them with friends, or keep a stash for cozy nights in—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe, and these cookies, time and again!

Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 29 minutes
Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pecan Cookie Balls, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, are delightful treats that are buttery, nutty, and simply melt-in-your-mouth. Perfect for the holidays or any special occasion, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, they make a beautiful addition to any dessert platter.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans

For Rolling:

1 cup powdered sugar for rolling

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract. Gradually stir in flour and salt until combined, then fold in chopped pecans.
Form Cookie Balls: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Roll in Powdered Sugar: While still slightly warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Place on a wire rack to cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again before serving.