If you have a sweet tooth and love a comforting, buttery treat that melts in your mouth, this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These delightful little bites combine the rich, nutty essence of finely chopped pecans with the tender crumb of a classic butter cookie, all dusted in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. Known also as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, this recipe brings so much warmth and joy to any occasion — from holiday celebrations to simple afternoon cookies with tea. Get ready to fall in love with each perfectly round, melt-in-your-mouth pecan cookie ball!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting cookies that are tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of crunchy. From the creamy butter that forms the base to the chopped pecans adding a delightful texture, every element is essential to achieving cookie perfection.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Sweetens the dough and adds a snowy finish after baking.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the buttery sweetness with warm aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie, giving it shape and a soft texture.
- 1½ cups finely chopped pecans: Adds delightful nutty flavor and a bit of crunch.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
How to Make Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures even baking and prevents the delicate cookie balls from sticking, making cleanup easier and keeping your cookies intact and beautiful.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to getting the soft, tender texture of the cookie balls because it incorporates air into the dough.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly. This simple addition brings an inviting warmth and depth that perfectly complements the buttery richness of the dough and the nuttiness of the pecans.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt little by little, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be gentle to keep the texture tender.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. If you want an even more intense nutty flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before adding them — it’s a little touch that packs a big punch.
Step 6: Shape the Cookie Balls
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 14 to 16 minutes until the cookie bottoms turn lightly golden but the tops remain pale. This gentle bake keeps the cookies tender and prevents them from turning too brown or hard.
Step 8: Add the Classic Snowy Finish
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. After they cool completely, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for that irresistible snowy look and extra sweetness.
How to Serve Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic powdered sugar coating is the star garnishment, feel free to sprinkle extra finely chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top before serving. These little touches can elevate the cookies aesthetically and enhance the flavor with subtle spice.
Side Dishes
Pecan cookie balls are wonderful on their own but they pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a splash of cold milk. For a festive touch, serve alongside cream cheese frosting or spiced hot chocolate for a decadent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your pecan cookie balls in a decorative tin lined with festive tissue paper, perfect for gift-giving. Alternatively, stack them on a pretty serving plate or string them on a skewer with fresh fruit for an eye-catching dessert display. Everyone will be begging for a bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover pecan cookie balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their delicate texture and flavor for up to one week, making them an excellent treat to enjoy days after baking.
Freezing
You can freeze baked pecan cookie balls by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps them from sticking together and lets you enjoy fresh cookies months later.
Reheating
While these cookies are best served at room temperature, if you want to warm them slightly, microwave for about 10 seconds or warm gently in a low oven. Reheating enhances the buttery softness without melting the powdered sugar coating too much.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts make great substitutes and will bring their unique flavor and texture to the cookie balls. Just make sure to finely chop them for the best results.
Why do the tops of the cookie balls remain pale while the bottoms brown?
This is intentional for the perfect texture — the bottoms brown lightly for flavor and structure, while the tops stay pale and tender. It helps the cookie balls maintain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best texture, and watch the baking time as gluten-free flours sometimes bake differently.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The double rolling in powdered sugar creates that signature snowy effect and adds an extra layer of sweetness and a delicate finish. It’s worth the little extra effort for the classic look and taste.
How long will these pecan cookie balls keep their freshness?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookie balls stay fresh and delicious for about one week. Beyond that, their texture may start to change, so enjoy them sooner for the best experience.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making and sharing this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe. From the buttery dough to the gently toasted pecans and that beautiful snowy coating, these cookies bring warmth to every bite and joy to every gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover just how effortlessly delightful homemade cookie balls can be. They’re simple to make, fun to share, and sure to become a beloved treat in your home!
Print
Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookie balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully buttery and nutty, Pecan Cookie Balls are tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats that offer a snowy powdered sugar finish. Also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, these classic American dessert bites combine finely chopped pecans with a soft, flaky cookie dough for a perfect holiday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups finely chopped pecans
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer or whisk to cream the softened unsalted butter with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which will create a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensuring a tender texture.
- Fold in Pecans: Fold in 1½ cups of finely chopped pecans evenly into the dough, distributing the flavorful nuts throughout.
- Shape Cookie Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a smooth ball using your hands, then place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14–16 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies turn lightly golden while the tops remain pale, indicating a delicate, tender crumb.
- Initial Cooling and Coating: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes; while still warm, roll them in additional powdered sugar to start the signature snowy coating.
- Final Cooling and Second Sugar Roll: Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a beautiful, powdery finish akin to freshly fallen snow.
Notes
- These cookies are commonly known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies, making them perfect for festive occasions.
- For an enhanced nutty flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before chopping and adding to the dough.
- Store finished cookie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Handle dough gently to preserve the crumbly texture; over-mixing can result in tougher cookies.
