Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are a classic treat that brings a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any gathering. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are tender, buttery, and filled with finely chopped pecans, making them a perfect addition to holiday cookie trays or a sweet treat for any occasion. The dusting of powdered sugar adds a delightful sweetness that complements the rich, nutty flavor. I remember making these cookies with my grandmother every Christmas, and the aroma of butter and pecans baking in the oven would fill the house, making it feel festive and cozy.
Ingredients
1 cup softened butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Proper preheating ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Line the Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and well blended. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy, which helps create the delicate texture of the cookies.
Add Vanilla Extract: Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. The vanilla adds a lovely aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, beating on low speed until just combined. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Add Pecans: Stir in 1 cup of finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Form Dough Balls: Using your hands, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If the dough is too crumbly to form into balls, you can gently press it together. Each ball should be uniform in size to ensure even baking.
Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies will still be pale on top, which is perfect for their delicate texture.
Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling process helps the cookies firm up and makes them easier to handle.
Step 5: Coat the Cookies
Prepare Powdered Sugar: Place 1 cup of powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. This will be used to coat the cookies.
Coat the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, add them to the bowl of powdered sugar in batches. Toss gently to coat each cookie thoroughly. The powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also gives the cookies their signature snowball appearance.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve: Arrange the coated cookies on a serving platter. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
Enjoy: Serve your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy them as a delightful sweet treat any time of the day.
Variations and Substitutions
Nut Alternatives: Substitute the pecans with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced version of these cookies.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a festive touch, drizzle the cookies with melted white or dark chocolate after coating them in powdered sugar.
Conclusion
Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are a timeless treat that never fails to bring smiles to faces. Their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the rich flavor of pecans and the sweetness of powdered sugar makes them irresistible. The simple ingredients and straightforward process make these cookies easy to prepare, yet they deliver an impressive result that is sure to delight.
The appeal of this recipe lies in its versatility and the nostalgic comfort it brings. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a special occasion, or simply to enjoy a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit. The option to customize with different nuts or flavors adds to their charm, allowing you to create a version that suits your personal taste.
In summary, Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are enjoyable to make and even more enjoyable to eat. Their delightful flavor, appealing appearance, and the warm memories they evoke make them a beloved classic. Gather your ingredients, follow these detailed instructions, and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies.