Buttery pecan snowball cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, are classic holiday treats that melt in your mouth. Here’s a recipe to make these delightful, nutty cookies:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Add Vanilla Extract:
- Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in Chopped Pecans:
- Gently stir in the finely chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the Dough:
- Take a small amount of dough (about 1-2 tablespoons) and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool Slightly:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar:
- While the cookies are still warm but not hot, roll them in powdered sugar to coat evenly. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Double Coating (Optional):
- Once the cookies have cooled, you can give them a second coating of powdered sugar for a more pronounced “snowball” look.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange your buttery pecan snowball cookies on a serving plate and enjoy!
These cookies are delicate and crumbly, with a rich buttery flavor and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. They make a perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter or any time you’re craving a sweet, nutty treat.
