Welcome to the enchanting world of **Pecan Snowballs**, a timeless holiday cookie that promises to melt delicately in your mouth with every buttery bite. These small, round, delightful treats are generously loaded with finely chopped pecans and elegantly dusted with a generous blanket of powdered sugar, making them an indispensable part of any festive celebration.

Known by a delightful array of names across different cultures and regions, these cherished confections are also celebrated as **Mexican Wedding Cookies**, **Russian Tea Cakes**, **Southern Butterballs**, and **Polverones**. Regardless of what you call them, their irresistible charm and nutty goodness are destined to captivate the heart of any nut lover in your life, solidifying their spot as a holiday favorite for generations to come.

A round white bowl filled with freshly baked and powdered Pecan Snowballs, ready for holiday festivities.

Contents

Discover the Magic of Pecan Snowballs: Your Ultimate Holiday Cookie Guide

As the holiday season draws near, the aroma of freshly baked cookies becomes an integral part of the festive spirit. Among the myriad of choices, Pecan Snowballs stand out as a beacon of nostalgic comfort and simple elegance. Their delicate, crumbly texture, rich pecan flavor, and snow-like powdered sugar coating make them not just a cookie, but an experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the art of creating these perfect holiday treats, sharing expert tips, ingredient insights, and fascinating facts that will make your baking endeavors truly special.

Why These Pecan Snowballs Are an Absolute Must-Make This Season

There’s a reason why these delightful cookies, known affectionately by many names from Mexican Wedding Cookies to Russian Tea Cakes, have graced holiday tables for decades. Their enduring popularity isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a testament to their unparalleled taste and charm. Here’s why Pecan Snowballs deserve a prime spot in your holiday baking repertoire:

Irresistible Nut-Laden Goodness: These aren’t just any cookies; they are intensely nutty, buttery, and incredibly satisfying. Each bite delivers a tender, almost sandy texture that gives way to the earthy crunch of pecans. If you’re a fan of rich, deeply flavored cookies with a distinctive texture, these will quickly become your new obsession. The generous amount of finely chopped pecans ensures that every single cookie is packed with that beloved nutty essence.
A Festive Vision for the Holidays: With their pristine white powdered sugar coating, Pecan Snowballs perfectly capture the essence of a winter wonderland. Their appearance alone makes them ideal for Christmas cookie platters, festive gatherings, and thoughtful edible gifts. They bring a touch of classic elegance and cheer to any holiday spread, sparkling like freshly fallen snow under the twinkling lights.
Delight for Every Nut Enthusiast: If you have friends or family who are devoted nut lovers, preparing a batch of these irresistible cookies is the ultimate way to surprise and delight them. Unlike cookies where nuts play a supporting role, pecans are the star here. The recipe is crafted to highlight their flavor, making it a dream come true for anyone who cherishes the rich, buttery taste of pecans.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Perfect Pecan Snowballs

Achieving the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor of Pecan Snowballs hinges on understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

Kitchen Staples: You’ll need basic ingredients like granulated sugar, a tablespoon of water, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. These form the backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure and sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature is Key): Butter is the heart of these cookies, contributing to their signature richness and delicate crumb. Using room temperature butter is crucial because it creams easily with sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough. This process incorporates air, which is essential for the cookies’ tender texture. While the original recipe suggests salted butter, if you opt for unsalted butter, you might consider slightly increasing the amount of additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors. Always ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for optimal results.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Do not underestimate the power of good vanilla extract. It enhances all the other flavors in the cookie, adding warmth and depth. Opt for pure vanilla extract over artificially flavored versions for a superior taste that truly shines through. A quality vanilla makes a noticeable difference in the final product.
Salt (Fine Table Salt Recommended): Salt plays a vital role in baking, not just for seasoning but for enhancing sweetness and balancing the overall flavor profile. Table salt, with its finer grain, disperses more evenly throughout the dough compared to coarser kosher salt, ensuring consistent seasoning in every bite.
Pecans (Toast for Maximum Flavor): The star of the show! Pecans provide the characteristic nutty flavor and satisfying texture. To truly unlock their full potential and deepen their flavor, always toast your pecans before incorporating them into the dough. You can achieve this by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant, or by spreading them on a baking sheet and toasting them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally. Watch them carefully, as nuts can burn quickly. Allow them to cool completely before chopping and adding to the dough.
Powdered Sugar (for Rolling): This is what gives Pecan Snowballs their iconic snowy appearance and delicate sweetness. For the best, most elegant finish, sift your powdered sugar before rolling the warm cookies. This removes any lumps, ensuring a smooth, uniform coating that adheres beautifully to the cookies.

Mastering Pecan Snowballs: Pro Tips for Success

While the recipe for Pecan Snowballs is relatively simple, a few expert tips can elevate your baking from good to extraordinary. Follow these guidelines to ensure every batch is perfect:

Ensure Butter is at Room Temperature: This cannot be stressed enough. Softened butter (not melted!) is critical for proper creaming. If your butter is too cold, it won’t incorporate smoothly with the sugar, leading to a dense, uneven dough. If it’s too warm, it can make the dough greasy. The ideal consistency is soft enough to make an indentation with your finger, but still cool to the touch.
Utilize a Cookie Scoop for Uniformity: For consistently sized cookies that bake evenly, a cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon in size) is your best friend. Even baking is key to achieving that perfect tender crumb throughout the batch. Uniform size also makes for a more appealing presentation on your holiday platter.
PRO-Tip: Chill Your Dough for Easier Handling: The inclusion of nuts can sometimes make the dough a bit challenging to roll into perfect balls. Refrigerating your dough for 30-60 minutes significantly helps. Chilling firms up the butter, making the dough less sticky and much easier to handle and shape into neat, round snowballs. This step also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Explore Crescent Shapes: While round snowballs are classic, feel free to experiment with other traditional shapes. This versatile dough is also excellent for making crescent-shaped cookies, a common and elegant alternative that adds variety to your cookie tray. Simply roll the dough into logs and curve the ends slightly.
PRO-Tip: Toasting Nuts for Enhanced Flavor: As mentioned in the ingredient notes, toasting your pecans before chopping them is a game-changer. This simple step deeply enhances their natural, buttery flavor and aroma, adding another layer of complexity to your cookies. Whether you toast them on a sheet pan at 350°F for about 5 minutes or in a dry sauté pan, stirring or shaking every minute or so, vigilance is key. Nuts can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly, so watch them carefully and trust your nose – they’ll smell wonderfully fragrant when ready. Allow them to cool completely before using.

A close-up shot of Pecan Snowballs elegantly arranged in a white ceramic bowl, showcasing their delicate powdered sugar coating.

Crafting the Perfect Holiday Cookie Tray

Assembling a diverse and visually appealing holiday cookie tray is an art form, and Pecan Snowballs are an absolute essential component. The key to a memorable tray lies in balancing flavors, textures, and appearances. Here’s how to create an impressive assortment:

Variety is the Spice of Life (and Cookie Trays!): When selecting what cookies and candies to include, aim for a delightful contrast. For the chocolate aficionados, rich fudge or chocolate chip cookies are a must. Spice lovers will appreciate fragrant gingersnaps with their warm, zesty kick. And for those who adore chewy confections, homemade caramels are always a hit. Don’t forget other classics like butterscotch cookies for a unique sweetness, indulgent English toffee, and charming peanut blossoms with their iconic Hershey’s Kiss center.
Pecan Snowballs: The Nut Lover’s Dream: For the dedicated nut lovers in your circle, these Pecan Snowballs are an absolute triumph. Chock full of pecans, these delicate, buttery gems will undoubtedly become a highly anticipated treat at Christmas and beyond. Their subtle sweetness and profound nutty flavor provide a wonderful counterpoint to more intensely sweet or spiced cookies. Consider making a double batch; they disappear remarkably quickly!
PRO-Tip: Separate Flavors for Optimal Freshness: One of the most common mistakes when preparing a cookie tray is allowing different flavored cookies to mingle without proper separation. You definitely don’t want your delicate Pecan Snowballs to absorb the pungent aroma and taste of gingersnaps or peppermint after being placed next to them on a platter or in a gift container! Always wrap each kind of cookie separately in airtight containers or plastic wrap before arranging them on your final platter. This preserves the unique flavor profile of each cookie and keeps them tasting fresh longer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Snowballs

Why Are These Also Called Mexican Wedding Cookies?

The various names for these cookies often reflect cultural influences and historical context. The name “Mexican Wedding Cookies” is thought to have emerged as an alternative to “Russian Tea Cakes,” particularly during the Cold War era when there was political tension between the US and Russia. This renaming allowed people to enjoy these beloved treats without associating them with a rival nation. They are also popular in Mexico, where they are often served at weddings and other celebrations, hence the local name “Polverones” which translates to “dusty” or “powdered,” referring to their signature sugar coating.

Why Are Pecan Snowballs Crumbly?

The delightful crumbly texture of Pecan Snowballs is a defining characteristic and comes primarily from the absence of eggs in the recipe. Eggs act as a binder, providing structure and chewiness in many cookie recipes. Without them, the butter and flour mixture creates a tender, almost sandy consistency that literally melts in your mouth. However, if your cookies are falling apart before they’re even baked or excessively crumbly, it might indicate issues with the dough. Ensure your butter was at a true room temperature, allowing it to emulsify properly with the other ingredients, and that you used sufficient butter to hold the dough together. Too little butter or butter that’s too cold can result in a dry, fragile dough.

Can You Freeze Mexican Wedding Cookies?

Absolutely! Pecan Snowballs (or Mexican Wedding Cookies) are excellent candidates for freezing, both in dough form and after baking. The unbaked cookie dough can be prepared, shaped into balls, and then frozen for up to a month. Place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked Pecan Snowballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store them in an airtight container, preferably with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When defrosting, you might notice that some of the powdered sugar coating may come off or become damp due to condensation. Simply reroll any cookies that need a little refresh in fresh powdered sugar before serving to restore their pristine, snowy appearance.

Can I Use Other Nuts in This Recipe?

While pecans are traditional and impart a unique buttery flavor, this recipe is quite forgiving, and you can certainly experiment with other nuts. Walnuts are a fantastic substitute, offering a slightly more robust and earthy flavor. Almonds, especially toasted and finely chopped, would also work well for a different, perhaps milder, taste. For an even more unique twist, try a mix of different nuts! Just remember to toast them all for the best flavor, and ensure they are finely chopped to maintain the delicate texture of the cookies.

How Should I Store Pecan Snowballs?

To maintain their delicate texture and fresh flavor, Pecan Snowballs should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 5-7 days. It’s best to store them in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to prevent the powdered sugar from clumping or getting messy. Avoid refrigerating them, as the cold can dry them out and alter their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Explore More Delicious Cookie Creations:

If you’ve fallen in love with the nutty charm of Pecan Snowballs, you’re sure to enjoy these other delightful cookie recipes:

Double Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies from Crazy for Crust – for the ultimate chocolate and nut indulgence.
Maple Walnut Shortbread Cookies from The View from Great Island – another buttery classic with a hint of maple.
Butter Pecan Cookies from The Food Charlatan – celebrating the rich flavor of buttered pecans.
Loaded Cowboy Cookies – packed with all your favorite mix-ins.
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies – a popular pairing of creamy white chocolate and crunchy macadamias.
Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies – a creative twist combining cookies with a pie-like filling.
Discover even more incredible Cookie Recipes to fill your cookie jar!

Stay connected and share your baking triumphs with us on social media! Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag us when you try one of our delicious recipes! And if you absolutely adore the results, please consider leaving a 5-star rating in the recipe card below to help other bakers find and enjoy these incredible cookies.

The Recipe:

Pecan Snowballs Recipe

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
18 minutes

Total Time
38 minutes

Yield
36 cookies

A cherished holiday cookie known by many delightful names, these melt-in-your-mouth Pecan Snowballs are always a hit! This easy recipe, inspired by my friend Cyn, guarantees festive perfection.

Ingredients

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cold water
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon fine table salt
2 cups finely chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)
1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling cookies (sifted)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and water, mixing until well combined and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Stir in the chopped pecans until they are thoroughly distributed throughout the dough.
For best results, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to make it easier to handle. Then, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into uniform balls.
Place the dough balls about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for approximately 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies are set but still pale.
While the cookies are still warm from the oven, gently roll them generously in the sifted powdered sugar. For an extra festive coating, you can roll them a second time once they are completely cool.

Notes

Feel free to roast your pecans before chopping to bring out their nuttiness even more! This simple step makes a significant difference in the depth of flavor. For variations, you can also substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans.

HOW MUCH DID YOU LOVE THIS RECIPE?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Freshly baked Pecan Snowballs on baking sheets, with a cute Labrador Retriever puppy (Miss Lambeau) sniffing curiously at the edge of the tray. — Our loyal taste-tester, Miss Lambeau the Labrador retriever, diligently inspecting a batch of Pecan Snowballs circa 2010. Always ready to lend a paw for spills and a nose for non-chocolate treats, these nutty delights were always fair game!

There’s an undeniable magic to baking Pecan Snowballs during the holidays. They are more than just a cookie; they are a tradition, a source of comfort, and a delicious expression of festive cheer. Whether you call them Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, or simply Pecan Snowballs, their tender, nutty, and sugary embrace is sure to bring joy to every bite. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful baking journey. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with warmth, happiness, and an abundance of delicious cookies!

Snow-Kissed Pecan Cookies