Looking for the perfect holiday cookie or a classic treat for your dessert table? These Pecan Balls, also known as Snowball Cookies or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are rich, buttery, and packed with nutty pecan goodness. They’re easy to make, require just a few ingredients, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Only 6 simple ingredients
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No eggs or complicated steps
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Perfect for the holidays or everyday snacking
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Freezer-friendly and easy to store
Ingredients Breakdown:
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Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Provides richness and the base for the dough’s soft, tender texture.
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Powdered Sugar (½ cup + extra): Adds a smooth sweetness and gives the cookies their signature snowy coating.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet notes.
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All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Forms the structure of the cookies.
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Finely Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Adds a nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
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Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
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Tips and Tricks:
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Don’t overbake: The bottoms should be just lightly golden—no browning on top.
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Use a food processor to finely chop the pecans quickly and evenly.
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Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.
Variations and Customizations:
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Swap pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts.
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Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice twist.
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Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Pairing Suggestions:
These cookies are amazing with:
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Hot chocolate or spiced tea
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Coffee or cappuccino
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A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert combo
Storage Instructions:
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
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Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and re-roll in powdered sugar if needed.
Popular Questions:
Can I make pecan balls ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Yes, for best results. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt to just a pinch.
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Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Print
Pecan Balls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These melt-in-your-mouth Pecan Balls are buttery, nutty, and delicately sweet—perfect for holiday trays or anytime cookie cravings. With a tender texture and powdered sugar coating, they’re simple to make yet irresistibly delicious
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Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup finely chopped pecans
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¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
3. Add Vanilla
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Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
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Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until combined.
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Stir in chopped pecans using a spatula or your hands to form a soft, pliable dough.
5. Shape and Bake
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Roll dough into 1-inch balls and space them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
6. Sugar Coating
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Let cookies cool for 5 minutes.
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While still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar.
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Once fully cooled, roll again for a thicker sugar coating.
Notes
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These cookies are also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Snowdrops, or Butterballs.
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They’re perfect for holiday platters, cookie swaps, or gifting in cute tins with a festive ribbon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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