Hicham Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday favorite, known for their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.
Ingredients (Servings 36)
- 2 sticks of butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, divided
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla and Salt:
- Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Incorporate the Flour:
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Pecans:
- Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape the cookies.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape the Dough:
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops of the cookies should remain pale.
Step 4: Coat the Cookies
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- First Coat:
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Second Coat:
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them again in powdered sugar for a second coating.
Step 5: Serve and Store
- Serve:
- Serve the Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies at room temperature. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Store:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Pecans: Finely chop the pecans to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Variations:
- Nut Substitutes:
- Use other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts in place of pecans.
- Flavored Extracts:
- Add a touch of almond extract or other flavored extracts to the dough for a different flavor profile.
- Spiced Snowballs:
- Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
4. What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies are delicious on their own but also pair well with hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They make a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters.
5. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture and flavor of the cookies slightly. For a lighter texture, you might consider using a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a classic and delightful treat that’s perfect for the holiday season or any time of year. With their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies a try and enjoy a sweet and satisfying treat. Happy baking!
