Description
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are classic buttery shortbread treats loaded with finely chopped pecans and dusted generously with confectioners’ sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic, sweet, nutty delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Coating
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly and gently.
- Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create the tender texture of the cookies.
- Add Liquid Ingredients. Mix in the water and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly into the dough.
- Incorporate Flour. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture while mixing at low speed. Be careful to mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Fold in Pecans. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without overworking it.
- Chill the Dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This step firms the dough, making it easier to roll and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Shape Cookies. Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Initial Cooling and Sugar Coating. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes after removing them from the oven. While still warm, roll them in confectioners’ sugar to begin the classic snowball appearance.
- Final Sugar Coating. Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to provide a generous, snowy coating and enhance their sweet flavor.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential to maintain the cookie shape and ensure a crumbly texture.
- Use finely chopped pecans for even distribution and the best texture.
- Rolling the cookies in confectioners’ sugar twice ensures maximum sweetness and the signature snowy look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a nut-free option, omit pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
