Christmas Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies – Soft, Modern & Melt-In-Your-Mouth🎄

Holiday baking doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. These Christmas Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies prove that simple ingredients can create something truly magical. Soft, crumbly, buttery, and coated in a beautiful snowy layer of powdered sugar, these cookies are the kind of treat that instantly brings warmth to the season.

This version is intentionally minimal: clean flavors, straightforward steps, and a modern twist on a timeless classic. Whether you’re filling a holiday cookie box, preparing a plate for guests, or simply craving something cozy with a cup of tea, these pecan snowballs deliver charm and comfort with every bite.

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⭐ What Are Christmas Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-style treats rolled in powdered sugar to give them their classic winter “snow” appearance. They’re known for their delicate crumb, buttery base, and subtle nutty crunch.

This recipe highlights:
• Buttery shortbread texture
• Finely chopped toasted pecans
• A clean, mild sweetness
• A fluffy powdered sugar coating

Unlike heavily decorated holiday cookies, snowballs feel refined, simple, and effortlessly festive exactly the aesthetic of EatTreatRecipe.com.

⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1–1¼ cups finely chopped pecans (preferably toasted)
• ¼ tsp fine salt

Coating

• Powdered sugar, for rolling

⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Toast and Chop the Pecans

To bring out deeper flavor, toast pecans in the oven at 325°F for 6–8 minutes, then allow them to cool completely before chopping. Toasting enhances aroma and creates a warm nutty base that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.

Step 2 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. The mixture should look pale and whipped. Add vanilla extract and mix again.

Step 3 – Add the Dry Ingredients

Add flour and salt, mixing gently until the dough begins to form. Fold in chopped pecans. The dough should come together when pressed soft, slightly crumbly, and easy to shape.

Step 4 – Roll the Dough

Scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into smooth round balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 5 – Bake the Cookies

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–14 minutes. The tops will remain pale, but the bottoms should be lightly golden. Avoid overbaking snowball cookies should stay soft and light.

Step 6 – Roll in Powdered Sugar

Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, set them on a cooling rack, and once fully cooled, roll them again for a snowy, festive finish.

⭐ Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It

Helpful Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for proper texture.
• Double-coat with powdered sugar for a full snowy finish.
• Measure flour correctly, spooning it gently into the measuring cup.
• Let cookies cool fully before storing to prevent melting the sugar.

Variations

• Add espresso powder for a surprising mocha twist.
• Replace pecans with hazelnuts for a deeper nutty flavor.
• Stir in a touch of almond extract for a more aromatic finish.
• Coat with vanilla sugar for a gourmet upgrade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal ingredients
• Elegant finish without decorating
• Perfect for gifting
• Easy enough for beginners
• Holiday flavor in every crumb

⭐ Minimalist Holiday Cookie Aesthetic

This recipe perfectly aligns with the modern holiday vibe: clean presentation, soft neutral tones, and timeless simplicity. The powdered sugar coating gives these cookies an elegant snowy texture that looks beautiful on minimalist platters, neutral serving boards, or clean white dinnerware. If your holiday style is understated and chic, these snowballs fit right in.

⭐Perfect for Make-Ahead Gifting

These cookies hold their texture well, making them ideal for gifting. They can be baked up to 5 days in advance and still taste fresh and buttery. Arrange them in kraft boxes, glass jars, or minimalist holiday tins, and add a touch of twine or greenery. They look charming, taste delicious, and feel thoughtfully homemade.

⭐ FAQs

⭐ Conclusion

These Christmas Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies bring together everything we love about holiday baking warmth, comfort, simplicity, and a touch of elegance. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and classic powdered-sugar finish, they’re a perfect treat for modern holiday celebrations.

✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatRecipe because cozy treats belong in every kitchen!