These Pecan Butterballs are a beloved holiday classic—tender, buttery cookies packed with finely chopped pecans and rolled in powdered sugar. Known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re sometimes called snowball cookies, Mexican wedding cookies, or pecan meltaways.
Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday gifts, or enjoying with a cup of coffee, pecan butterballs are simple to make but deliver a nostalgic flavor that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
- Mix in flour and salt until just combined. Fold in chopped pecans. Dough will be stiff.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until set but not browned.
Step 5: Roll in Sugar
- While cookies are still warm, roll in powdered sugar. Cool completely, then roll again for full coverage.
Variation
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Spiced Butterballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overbake—cookies should stay pale and tender.
- Powdered sugar sticks best while cookies are warm.
- Store at room temperature for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Add to holiday cookie platters.
- Gift in tins or jars wrapped with ribbon.
- Enjoy with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
Tips
- Toast pecans before chopping for extra flavor.
- Roll cookies twice in powdered sugar for a snowy look.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Nutritional Info (per cookie, approx. 24 cookies)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 35mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I freeze pecan butterballs?
- Yes! Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Q2: Can I make them ahead of time?
- Yes, they stay fresh for a week at room temperature. Perfect for holiday prep.
Q3: Do I need to chill the dough?
- Chilling helps prevent spreading and makes rolling easier.
Q4: Can I make mini pecan butterballs?
- Yes, make smaller balls and reduce baking time by a few minutes.
Q5: Why are my cookies crumbly?
- They may be slightly overbaked or need more butter. Handle gently—they’re delicate by nature.
Conclusion
These Pecan Butterballs are buttery, nutty, and dusted with powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth holiday classic. Simple to make and perfect for Christmas cookie trays or edible gifts, they bring cozy nostalgia with every bite. A true Southern and holiday favorite!