A Buttery, Nutty Treat for Every Occasion

There’s something incredibly nostalgic and comforting about biting into a buttery cookie that melts in your mouth and leaves behind a delicate crunch of finely ground pecans. Pecan Ball Cookies — also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies — are timeless favorites that bring elegance to the dessert table while remaining simple enough to whip up for a weeknight indulgence. Whether you’re planning a holiday cookie platter, preparing for a tea party, or simply craving something a little extra special, these Pecan Ball Cookies are a must-bake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. The method is straightforward, the ingredients are pantry staples (plus pecans), and the flavor is out of this world. With a rich, buttery base and layers of nutty sweetness from finely chopped pecans and powdered sugar, these cookies offer a delightful texture that’s both soft and crumbly, with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.

These cookies are ideal for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Afternoon coffee breaks
• Wedding dessert tables
• A sweet homemade gift
• Anyone who loves classic, no-fuss desserts

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies:

For the Dough:

• 2 1/4 cups pecans, finely chopped or ground
• 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Coating:

• 1 cup powdered confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup crushed pecans

Essential Kitchen Equipment

• Food processor or nut grinder
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pecans

Start by placing the pecans in a food processor. Pulse until they’re finely ground but not a paste — you want a consistency close to coarse sand. Set aside.

2. Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes). This step is crucial for that airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add the salt and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Gradually add the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated. Finally, fold in the crushed pecans and mix until the dough is well blended.

3. Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl loosely with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

4. Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place on the prepared sheet, spacing about 1–2 inches apart.

Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the bottoms just begin to turn golden. The tops will remain pale — that’s perfect.

5. Coat the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.

In a large bowl, combine the powdered confectioners’ sugar and 1/2 cup crushed pecans.

Gently roll each warm cookie in the sugar mixture until well coated. Set aside to cool completely, then roll them in the sugar mixture once more for a beautiful, snowy finish.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze them (after they’ve been coated) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them come to room temperature and dust with a little extra powdered sugar if desired.

Pro Tip: Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve the coating.

Variations and Substitutions

These cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are a few creative twists:

• Nut Swap: Substitute walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for pecans. Just be sure to grind them finely.
• Flavor Boost: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted dark or white chocolate for a gourmet finish.
• Lemon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, citrusy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

What to Serve with Pecan Ball Cookies

These cookies are incredibly rich and pair beautifully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or espresso
• Earl Grey or chamomile tea
• A glass of milk (classic!)
• A dessert wine like Moscato or Sauternes

They also make a perfect companion on a holiday dessert tray alongside thumbprint cookies, shortbread, and truffles.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls (unbaked) and bake directly from frozen — just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Do I have to use a food processor?

While a food processor makes grinding the pecans super easy and uniform, you can also use a sharp knife and chop them very finely. A nut grinder or even a blender on pulse mode can also work in a pinch.

My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?

Chances are the dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or the butter was too soft to start. Always make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour and use room-temperature (not melted) butter.

Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?

You can, but the coating adds that signature “snowball” look and a boost of sweetness that really complements the nuttiness. If you prefer, you can roll them in finely chopped nuts or even dip the bottoms in chocolate instead.

Can I make them vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-certified. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

Pecan Ball Cookies are a simple yet luxurious treat that brings warmth and charm to any occasion. With their delicate crumb, rich buttery flavor, and snowy powdered sugar coating, they’re a festive favorite that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re baking for loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to hit the sweet spot.

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