There’s a special joy that comes with holiday baking, and this year, I’m excited to share my family’s favorite treat: Easy Snowball Cookies. Picture this: a cozy kitchen, the air filled with the sweet aroma of butter and vanilla, and that delightful sound of pecans crunching as you fold them into the dough. These cookies don’t just look beautiful—they’re light, buttery, and practically melt in your mouth, much like the first snowflakes of the season.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations, this recipe is a lifesaver. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these charming cookies in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or as sweet surprises for loved ones. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting to explore the world of homemade treats, I promise these Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies will become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this festive delight together!

Why are Easy Snowball Cookies a must-have?

Melt-in-your-mouth goodness: These Easy Snowball Cookies feature a heavenly texture that simply dissolves on your tongue.
Quick to make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re a breeze to whip up, even during the busiest holiday season.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gifting or sharing, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Endless variations: Try customizing them with different nuts or adding a hint of citrus zest for a fun twist!
Gluten-free option: You can easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary needs, allowing everyone to indulge.
Bring warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings with these delightful treats that truly embody the spirit of festive baking!

Easy Snowball Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture for a tender cookie. Use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable; reduce additional salt.
Confectioners’ Sugar – Adds sweetness and creates a fine coating when rolled. Avoid granulated sugar for a true snowball texture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile. Opt for pure vanilla extract for a deeper taste.
Almond Extract – Offers an aromatic note that complements the vanilla. Omit if allergic; you can use more vanilla extract instead.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cookie base and structure. For a gluten-free option, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Salt – Balances sweetness and elevates flavor. Essential for enhancing the overall taste.
Pecans (finely chopped) – Adds texture and nutty flavor. Substitute with walnuts for a different twist or omit for nut-free cookies.

For Coating

Additional Confectioners’ Sugar – For rolling the cookies after baking. It’s crucial for achieving that signature snowball effect.

How to Make Easy Snowball Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your delightful treats.
Beat the unsalted butter and ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is essential for that airy texture!
Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts, and gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be soft yet manageable.
Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for that lovely nutty flavor in every bite.
Scoop dough and roll into 1-inch balls, placing them on the cookie sheets with enough space in between to allow for slight spreading during baking.
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned; take care not to overbake to preserve that soft texture.
Cool the cookies on the sheets for 3-5 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Roll the warm cookies in additional confectioners’ sugar, then once cooled, roll them in sugar again for an extra snowy coating that looks beautiful and tastes sweet.

Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a fun twist!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?

Pair these delightful cookies with flavors that harmonize beautifully, bringing warmth and comfort to any gathering.

Hot Cocoa: A rich, creamy cup of hot cocoa enhances the buttery sweetness, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for festive celebrations.
Spiced Chai: The aromatic spices in chai complement the nutty flavor of pecans, adding layers of warmth and richness to your treat experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth, sweet ice cream melts perfectly alongside warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the heaviness of the cookies with fresh, vibrant flavors, making dessert feel a little more wholesome.
Buttercream Frosted Cupcakes: Pairing with soft and fluffy cupcakes can elevate the dessert table, providing a contrast of textures without overshadowing the cookies.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup can elevate your cookie experience, adding a sweet, earthy touch that pairs wonderfully with pecans.
Cranberry Sparkling Water: A refreshing, bubbly drink can cleanse the palate, making each bite of the cookies even more enjoyable.
Caramel Sauce: Serve alongside a small dish of warm caramel for dipping; the added sweetness and richness will simply melt in your mouth with each cookie bite.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Snowball Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for easier handling. Additionally, you can roll the shaped dough balls and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. This method helps maintain the cookies’ delightful texture and flavor. Just bake them as directed, roll them in powdered sugar while warm, and enjoy the same melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes these cookies a holiday favorite!

Storage Tips for Easy Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.

Refrigerator: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 7 days; just ensure they’re well wrapped to avoid absorbing odors.

Freezer: Freeze your Easy Snowball Cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and roll in sugar after thawing for that snowy look.

Thawing: To thaw, simply place the cookies at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving; this helps retain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Tips for the Best Easy Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming; this is vital for achieving that light texture in your Easy Snowball Cookies.
Avoid Overbaking: It’s crucial not to overbake the cookies; they should remain pale for the best melt-in-your-mouth quality you’re aiming for.
Chill the Dough: For easier handling and enhanced flavors, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Pecans Placement: Make sure to evenly fold in finely chopped pecans, so every bite bursts with their delicious nutty flavor.
Double Coating Sugar: Roll the cookies in confectioners’ sugar while warm, then again after cooling; this gives them that signature snowball appearance.
Customizing Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or citrus zest to personalize your Easy Snowball Cookies for your holiday gatherings!

Easy Snowball Cookies Variations

Feel free to mix and match these variations to give your Easy Snowball Cookies your personal touch and ignite joyful baking moments.

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture without gluten.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans entirely or replace them with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch, making these cookies safe for all occasions.
Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the dough, enhancing the flavor and adding a rich twist.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest for a bright citrus flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
Coconut Kick: Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair that complements the buttery texture beautifully.
Spiced Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy spice that makes your kitchen smell divine.
Maple Delight: Replace some of the confectioners’ sugar with maple syrup for a sweet twist; just adjust dry ingredients accordingly.
Nut Variety: Swap pecans for chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts to explore new flavors and textures that excite your taste buds.

With these variations, your Easy Snowball Cookies can become a new festive favorite for everyone!

Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of butter is best for Easy Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! I recommend using unsalted butter for a rich, tender cookie. However, if unsalted is unavailable, you can use salted butter—just reduce any additional salt in the recipe to keep the sweetness balanced.

How should I store my Easy Snowball Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, they can be refrigerated for up to 7 days in a well-wrapped container to prevent absorbing odors.

Can I freeze Easy Snowball Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze your Easy Snowball Cookies for up to 3 months! To do this, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they are separated so they don’t stick together. Once you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. For the best snowy appearance, roll them in powdered sugar again after thawing!

What if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly, it might be due to the flour measurement or the butter not being soft enough. Try adding a teaspoon of milk or water to help bind the ingredients together. Remember, the dough should be soft yet manageable. Also, using room temperature butter helps achieve a better consistency.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Very! To adapt the Easy Snowball Cookies for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This allows everyone to enjoy these delightful treats while accommodating dietary needs.

Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! While pecans offer a wonderful flavor and texture, you can easily substitute them with chopped walnuts, almonds, or even leave them out for a nut-free version. Just remember to adjust your flour measurement slightly if you’re making changes to the dough!