If you’re looking for a treat that’s just as perfect for those cozy winter holidays as it is for afternoon coffee breaks, let me introduce you to my beloved Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe. Flaky, buttery, and packed with roasted pecan goodness, these little snow-dusted bites absolutely melt in your mouth. Each cookie ball is rolled twice in powdered sugar for a dreamy, cloud-like finish that looks stunning on any dessert plate. Whether you know them as Mexican wedding cookies, snowball cookies, or Russian tea cakes, I promise this version will quickly become your go-to classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe keeps things irresistibly simple, calling for just a handful of basic pantry staples. But don’t underestimate their power! Each ingredient brings something special to the table, making these cookies rich, tender, and impossible to eat just one.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Essential for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and classic buttery flavor.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for rolling): Lends a delicate sweetness inside and out, plus that iconic snowy look.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavors and adds fragrant warmth to every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of your cookie structure, ensuring they hold their shape but still have that signature crumbly texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the buttery, nutty notes.
- Pecans (1 1/2 cups, finely chopped): The star of the show! Toasted, crunchy, and packed with flavor, they make these cookie balls truly unforgettable.
How to Make Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this makes for easy cleanup and keeps those cookie balls from sticking. Getting your oven and pan ready ahead ensures a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like; this is what gives your Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract, making sure it’s evenly distributed. The aromatic hint of vanilla is subtle yet essential, adding warmth and depth to the cookies.
Step 4: Mix in Flour and Salt
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir until just combined—you don’t want to overmix, or your cookies might turn tough instead of delicate.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in your finely chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. You’ll see lovely flecks of pecan in every scoop, and the aroma will be heavenly!
Step 6: Roll and Shape the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them between your palms to form perfect little balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one (don’t worry, they won’t spread much).
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes. The bottoms should turn a lovely golden shade, while the tops remain pale—this is the sign of a perfectly baked Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe. Don’t be tempted to overbake!
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar (Twice!)
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for just 5 minutes (they’ll still be a bit warm). Roll them gently in powdered sugar—this helps the coating stick. Once they’re completely cool, give them a second roll for that truly magical, snowy finish.
How to Serve Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, dust your serving plate with a bit more powdered sugar and sprinkle a few chopped pecans around the cookies. A sprig of fresh mint nearby adds a little pop of color and a lovely aromatic hint.
Side Dishes
These delicate cookie balls are delicious alongside a warm mug of coffee or tea. For something extra indulgent, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tray of assorted holiday treats for a festive dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies in a low glass jar or piling them on a tiered dessert stand for an eye-catching centerpiece. For gifting, layer them in a decorative box with parchment paper between the layers—your friends will swoon over your homemade touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long once everyone gets a taste of this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Simply arrange the completely cooled cookie balls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment. They’ll keep for up to three months—just bring them to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat these cookies to enjoy them, you can refresh day-old cookies by rolling them in a fresh dusting of powdered sugar. If you crave that just-baked warmth, give frozen cookies a few minutes at room temperature to thaw before serving.
FAQs
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans bring their unique buttery crunch, walnuts are a delicious alternative and work perfectly in this recipe—just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture.
Why don’t the tops of my cookies brown?
The hallmark of the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe is that the tops stay pale while the bottoms develop a gentle golden shade. This means they’re baked just right—resist the urge to leave them in longer!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough, shape it into balls, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before popping them in the oven.
How can I keep my cookies from being too crumbly?
If your cookies seem overly crumbly, make sure your butter was fully softened before mixing. Slightly underbaking also preserves that delicate texture. Resist adding extra flour; the dough should be soft but cohesive.
Can I double the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Just make sure to bake in batches so your oven doesn’t get overcrowded, and you’ll have plenty of these crowd-pleasing treats for every occasion.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser, and once you taste that melt-in-your-mouth texture with its nutty, buttery flavor, you’ll see why it’s such a favorite in my kitchen. Whip up a batch and share them with someone special—you just might start a new tradition!
Print
Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookie balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Cookie Balls, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowball cookies, are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery, nutty flavor and a snowy coating of powdered sugar, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your 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: Add the flour and salt, and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Dough: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll them again in more powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
