1945-2000 - Southern American bakers and holiday home cooks.

Pecan Snowballs

Name: Pecan Snowballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted); Optional: 1/4 cup granulated sugar for dough mix

Pecan snowballs are tender, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar, commonly enjoyed in the Southern United States during Christmas celebrations. Their sweet nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a festive traditional treat.

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Difficulty

Medium

Prep time

20 minutes

Cook time

15 minutes

Total time

35 minutes

Servings

24 cookies

Region

Texas, New Mexico, and Southern holiday kitchens

Era introduced

1945-2000

Introduced by

Southern American bakers and holiday home cooks.

Recipe tools

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The Story

Pecan snowballs have been enjoyed in Southern Christmas celebrations for generations, blending rich butter, finely chopped pecans, and a light dusting of powdered sugar. These delicate cookies reflect regional nut harvests and holiday baking traditions, offering a festive accompaniment to seasonal festivities. Their easy storage and festive appearance contributed to their longstanding popularity across Southern holiday tables.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted)
Optional: 1/4 cup granulated sugar for dough mix

Equipment

Baking sheet
Oven
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Directions

Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
In a bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Gradually add flour and salt; mix until combined.
Fold in chopped pecans.
Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
Cool cookies slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.
Cool completely and roll again in powdered sugar before serving.

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