If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a cozy hug in cookie form, this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These classic cookies are buttery, nutty, and covered in a flurry of powdered sugar, making every bite a delightful balance of crunch and sweetness. Whether you know them as Mexican wedding cookies or snowball cookies, they’re impossible to resist, and perfect for holidays, gifting, or just a little everyday indulgence.

Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item is essential and chosen for the way it builds the cookie’s rich flavor, tender texture, and signature snowy look. Here’s what makes this Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe shine:

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of these cookies, butter gives them their luscious, tender crumb and helps the dough come together beautifully.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus extra for rolling): Not only does powdered sugar sweeten the dough without any grittiness, but it also provides that dreamy snow-dusted finish.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Just a splash adds warmth and depth, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The backbone of the dough, flour gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft and light.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors and keeps the cookies from tasting flat.
Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped): The star ingredient! Pecans bring a rich, toasty nuttiness and a pleasant crunch to every bite.

How to Make Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light, airy, and absolutely irresistible. This step creates the foundation for the delicate, meltaway texture that makes the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe so special.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla

Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until it’s fully incorporated. This little touch of vanilla brings a lovely aroma and warmth to the dough, making the flavors truly pop.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour and salt, blending just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Don’t overmix—just a gentle hand is all you need to keep the dough tender and light.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans. If you have a few minutes to toast the pecans before chopping, it’s absolutely worth it for an extra boost of flavor. Once the nuts are mixed in, your dough will be soft and speckled with little pecan jewels.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each ball. Don’t worry about perfection—these cookies are charmingly rustic.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the bottoms are just beginning to turn golden. The tops will remain pale, but that’s exactly what you want! Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes—they’ll be fragile at first but will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in a generous layer of powdered sugar. This first coating melts slightly, giving the sugar a chance to adhere. Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for that iconic snowy look. It’s the ultimate finishing touch for the perfect Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe.

How to Serve Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

Garnishes

For a classic finish, nothing beats a thick dusting of powdered sugar. If you want to make your Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe a little extra special, consider a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest. These tiny touches add both flavor and flair, perfect for impressing guests or simply making your cookie plate pop.

Side Dishes

Pecan Cookie Balls are delicious alongside a cup of strong coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of cold milk. For a festive dessert platter, pair them with other holiday favorites like buttery shortbread, delicate biscotti, or tart lemon bars. Their nutty, rich flavor also balances beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, stack the cookies in a clear jar or arrange them in a pretty box lined with parchment—don’t forget to tuck in a handwritten recipe card! At parties, pile them high on a tiered stand or nestle them in decorative cupcake liners. You can even shape the dough into crescents or press a pecan half on top before baking for a fun twist on the classic Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies are wonderfully sturdy and keep well for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them tasting fresh, store them in a cool, dry place and add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain moisture—just replace the bread as it dries out.

Freezing

Pecan Cookie Balls freeze beautifully! Once baked and cooled, layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake straight from frozen, just adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. Either way, you’ll always have a batch ready for surprise guests or late-night cravings.

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their softness after storage or freezing, a quick warm-up in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes brings them right back to life. After reheating, dust them with a little fresh powdered sugar to restore their snowy finish and irresistible charm.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts work beautifully in this recipe, bringing their own distinct flavor and crunch. You can substitute them in equal amounts, or even try a blend of your favorite nuts for a unique twist.

Why are my Pecan Cookie Balls crumbly?

These cookies are designed to be tender, but if they’re falling apart, it could be from overbaking or not mixing the dough enough. Make sure to measure your flour carefully and roll the dough until it just comes together—don’t worry, it’s meant to be a bit delicate!

Do I have to toast the pecans first?

Toasting pecans isn’t required, but it adds a deep, nutty richness that really elevates the flavor of the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe. Just spread the chopped nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for about 6–8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped. Let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking for the best texture. This is a great way to prep for busy holidays or parties.

How do I keep the powdered sugar coating from melting?

For a snowy, picture-perfect finish, make sure to roll the cookies in powdered sugar once while they’re warm, and again after they’ve cooled completely. Store them in a dry, airtight container, as humidity will cause the sugar to dissolve.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie that’s buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet, you have to try the Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe. They’re a joy to make and even more fun to share—so gather your ingredients, get rolling, and prepare for a little magic in every bite!

Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightfully buttery and nutty pecan cookie balls are classic treats known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy powdered sugar coating. Also called Mexican wedding cookies or snowball cookies, these festive delights are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a rich, tender cookie with a hint of vanilla and toasted pecans.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 cup finely chopped pecans

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
Add Vanilla: Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined, which adds a warm, aromatic boost to the dough.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour and salt, stirring carefully until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the cookies tender.
Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for a crunchy, nutty bite in every cookie.
Shape Cookie Balls: Scoop the dough and roll it into 1-inch balls, 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 to 16 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender inside.
Initial Cooling and Rolling in Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then carefully roll the still-warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat them evenly.
Final Cooling and Second Sugar Coating: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them once again in powdered sugar to achieve the classic snowy finish that defines these cookie balls.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
These cookies are also famously known as Mexican wedding cookies or snowball cookies.
For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and adding to the dough.
If desired, you can substitute pecans with walnuts for a slightly different nutty profile.
Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them their signature snowy appearance and adds a sweet finish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American