Snow Pecan Cookies: Easy Holiday Treats

Create holiday magic with Snow Pecan Cookies! Buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar, these easy-to-make treats are perfect for festive gatherings

Get into the holiday spirit with Snow Pecan Cookies. These treats are soft and melt in your mouth. They're perfect for parties and gifts.

With just 6 ingredients, making about 36 cookies is easy. This recipe is quick and will make your loved ones happy.

Snow Pecan Cookies are the quintessential holiday dessert

Snow Pecan Cookies are the quintessential holiday dessert, combining buttery pecans with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. These delightful cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers or seasoned pros alike.

Their powdered sugar coating gives them a snow-dusted appearance

Their powdered sugar coating gives them a snow-dusted appearance, adding a festive touch to your holiday dessert table. Beyond their taste and aesthetics, these cookies are an ideal way to create cherished memories with your family, especially when you get the kids involved in rolling the dough and coating the cookies in sugar. These simple yet elegant treats are a must-have addition to your holiday traditions.

A great opportunity to bond with loved ones during the busy holiday season

Not only are Snow Pecan Cookies fun to make, but they’re also a great opportunity to bond with loved ones during the busy holiday season. Picture a cozy afternoon in your kitchen: the smell of butter and vanilla filling the air, the laughter of kids eagerly rolling dough balls, and the satisfying moment of coating each cookie in its snowy blanket of powdered sugar.

They’re a joyful experience that brings everyone together.

These cookies are more than a dessert; they’re a joyful experience that brings everyone together. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, preparing thoughtful edible gifts, or just spending time with your family, Snow Pecan Cookies are a heartwarming way to celebrate the season.

Classic Holiday Cookies with Many Names

Many holiday treats capture the season's spirit, but few do it like Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs, and Pecan Balls. These treats, known by many names, have been loved for years. Their powdery sugar coating makes them look like snow, adding to their charm.

They're also called Snowball Cookies, a favorite on holiday cookie platters. Ground pecans give them their unique texture and taste. Making about 25 cookies, they're ready in 34 minutes, including 12 -15 minutes of baking at 350°F (180°C).

The dough can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 6 weeks. This makes them easy for holiday baking. They're rolled in powdered sugar twice, making them look festive and taste rich.

Known as Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Butterballs, or Pecan Balls, these cookies are a holiday treat. They'll make your celebrations merry and bright.

Snow Pecan Cookies: Essential Ingredients

Making the perfect snow pecan cookies needs a special list of cookie ingredients and baking essentials. The main parts of this recipe are what make it special.

Key Components

The main ingredients for snow pecan cookies are:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• All-purpose flour (White Lily flour is recommended)
• Finely chopped pecans

Equipment Needed

To bake these cookies smoothly, you'll need:

1. A stand mixer or a hand mixer
2. A cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
3. A 1-tablespoon cookie scoop for uniform sizing
4. A handheld nut chopper for finely chopping the pecans

If pecans are hard to find, you can use other nuts like walnuts, almonds, cashews, or pistachios. This will give you a new twist on the pecan cookies recipe.

Perfect Cookie Texture Secrets

Getting the perfect cookie texture is crucial for making delicious pecan snowball cookies. A few simple baking tips can make your holiday treats irresistible. They become melt-in-your-mouth delights.

First, use finely chopped pecans for the best texture. Smaller nut pieces spread evenly in the dough, making the cookie crumb consistent. Also, your dough should be thick and dense. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Chilling the dough for at least an hour is key. It relaxes the gluten, preventing tough or crumbly cookies. Use butter that's cool but not cold from the fridge for the best results.

• Proper measuring of ingredients is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
• Avoid placing the dough on warm sheet pans, as this can cause the cookies to spread excessively.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure even baking and easy removal.
• Maintaining uniform cookie size will help ensure even baking throughout.

By following these cookie texture tips and baking tips, you'll make irresistible pecan snowball consistency cookies. Your friends and family will love them.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Baking Snow Pecan Cookies is a fun process. It combines classic ingredients and techniques. Follow these steps to make these irresistible holiday treats.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Measure out all your ingredients and chop the pecans finely to ensure even distribution in the cookies.

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Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy (another 1-2 minutes). Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
5. Fold in the finely chopped pecans using a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough will be thick and slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

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Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands.
2. Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.

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Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops will remain pale.
2. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated.
2. For an extra snowy appearance, roll them a second time for a thicker sugar layer.

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Storage Tips:

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• You can also freeze them (uncoated or fully prepared) for up to 3 months.

By following these steps, you'll make a batch of Snow Pecan Cookies. They're sure to impress your family and friends this holiday season.

Storage and Serving Tips

Keep the Snow Pecan Cookies fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month. They're perfect for holiday cookie trays, gift boxes, and festive gatherings.

Pair them with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. When gifting, package them in decorative containers or festive bags. This will share the holiday cheer with your friends and neighbors.

Their delicate texture and nutty flavors will be a hit on any cookie platter or cookie swap. Don't forget to tag the recipe author on social media when you share your creations online.

Baking a batch for yourself or as a thoughtful gift will surely delight. Enjoy the delicious mix of buttery, sweet, and nutty flavors. Snow Pecan Cookies are a beloved holiday tradition.

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