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.
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.
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.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.