Pecan Snowball Cookies with Holiday Spirit

Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies get a boost of HOLIDAY SPIRIT with a hint of bourbon. This CROWD FAVORITE is easy to make with just 5 INGREDIENTS and perfect for any holiday gathering.

If you’d rather skip my essential cooking tips and tricks and get straight to this delicious recipe – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.

This post sponsored by Millican Pecan Company. I received product in exchange for this recipe/post. Recipe and all opinions expressed here are my own.

Bourbon Pecan Snow Balls

It’s time to bake some cookies!

I love to make cookies year round but the holidays are when I really crank up the oven and get rolling.

Cookies are a great way to experiment with flavors and textures, but I do love the classics. Like these pecan snowball cookies.

What are snowball cookies?

You might know them by some other names like Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, or Russian tea cookies.

They are melt in your mouth balls of goodness that’s what they are!

Imagine a 1 bowl cookie recipe that ends with a shortbread cookie, studded with toasted pecans, a hint of spirit, all rolled in powdered sugar to balance it out!

Not only that, but they need just 5 ingredients!!

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Ingredients for Pecan Ball Cookies

• butter
• powdered sugar
• flour
• vanilla extract
• pecans

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How to make pecan snowballs

STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine butter, salt, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla (or bourbon). Cream/whip with hand or stand mixer for 1-2 minutes.

STEP TWO: Add in chopped pecans. Mix to combine. Slowing add in flour in a few batches, mixing between additions until fully combined. Do not over mix!

STEP THREE: Scoop into 1 inch balls and roll to smooth out. Place on a baking sheet with parchment paper and chill for 30 minutes. Remove from the fridge and bake for 13 – 15 minutes or until the edges just start to lightly brown.

STEP FOUR: While the cookies are baking, place remaining powdered sugar in a bowl. When the cookies are finished baking, remove from the oven and let sit 1-2 minutes on the baking sheet. Do not try to move as they will be soft.

STEP FIVE: After the 1-2 minutes, after the cookies have cooled enough to handle (but not completely cooled)and still a little warm roll them one at a time in the bowl of powdered sugar to get an initial coating. Place cookies on a cool baking sheet or plate. Cool completely and roll in the powdered sugar again, to ensure they are completely coated. Enjoy!

How long do pecan balls last?

These cookies will last up to 1 week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container for best results. I wouldn’t store them in the refrigerator as the condensation will make them sticky.

The longer the cookies sit, the more powdered sugar will be absorbed. You might need to gently roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar before serving.

Can I freeze pecan powdered sugar cookies?

These delicious cookies can be baked and frozen ahead of time, which will save you stress later.

Once baked, cooled, and coated, place the cookies in freezer storage bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To thaw, take them out of the freezer bags/container and thaw on an open plate. Closed containers will cause condensation which will ruin the cookies.

You can also freeze the dough!

Roll into balls and place on a parchment peper lined baking sheet where they are not touching. Place in the freezer until frozen. Transfer to freezer storage until ready to bake.

When ready to bake, place cookie dough balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and thaw for 5 minutes. Bake in preheated oven as listed in recipe. frozen cookies may require 1-2 additional minutes baking.

Tips for No leftover Pecan Ball Cookies

• use the best butter you can find so they taste extra buttery!
• toast your pecans before you add them to the cookies. It adds the most amazing butty flavor. Make sure you cool them before adding to the dough or it will melt it.
• finely chop the nuts in even shapes. Don’t add the “dust” that’s left after you chop them. I would not use a food processor or you will get all dust.
• use parchment paper or silicone baking mats so they don’t stick to the pan.
• do not over bake. Cook just until the edges start to brown.
• don’t try to remove the cookies from the baking sheet too soon, let them cool slightly. They are soft and will smash easily.
• some like to coat their cookies by adding powdered sugar to a bag and tossing in the cookies. I don’t recommend this as the cookies are delicate and will smash. Gently roll them in a bowl with a fork to coat them.

Do I have to use pecans?

Pecans are the best for these cookies but feel free to try others. Check out these combinations!

Pecan Balls Flavor Variations

Extracts: almond, mint, coffee, lemon, orange

Nuts: pecans, almonds, walnuts

Candies: peppermint, sprinkles, min chocolate chips, toffee bits

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

These melt in your mouth pecan snowball cookies, easily made in 1 bowl with just 5 ingredients, will be the hit of your cookie tray.

They make the perfect edible gift for friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family!

Pecan Butter Balls Recipe

Welcome to #ChristmasCookies week where more than 25 bloggers are sharing cookie recipes perfect for your holiday celebrations. Hosted by Ellen from Family Around the Table, Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures and Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks, we invite you to not only check out the recipes but enter the amazing giveaway.

 

Don’t miss one delicious cookie recipe! Follow along on Pinterest.

 

Prize 1: Tower of Treats from Millican Pecan Company

Originally founded as the West Texas Pecan Nursery in the late 1800’s, Millican Pecan is now in 5th generation ownership. Located in San Saba, TX, the family continues the tradition of pecan farming while also branching the business into the online world. The family also enjoys educating people about pecans. One winner will receive The Tower of Treats Gift Tins. The tower includes 3 decorative gift tins stacked on top of each other. The bottom tin includes our 2 lb. Chocolate Pecan Sampler, the middle tin is our Flavored Pecan Sampler and the top tin is an 8 oz. tin of Milk Chocolate Caramillicans (similar to Turtles). An $80 value.

Prize 2: An Assortment of Flavored Extracts from Adams Extract and Spices

 In January 2013, Adams, one of the oldest continuously operated companies in Texas and one of oldest spice and extract companies in the United States, celebrated its 125th birthday and was awarded the Texas Treasure Business Award, an award sponsored by State Bill 920 that recognizes the accomplishments of Texas businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for at least 50 years and pays tribute to the state’s well-established businesses and their exceptional historical contributions toward the state’s economic growth and prosperity.

Today, Adams proudly manufactures and markets under several Adams Brand banners, including Adams Best®, Adams Extract®, Adams® Seasoning & Spice, Adams Reserve®, Flavor King™, Pantry Basics™, Sear-n-Crust®, ClearVan™, Carniceria®, Cocina del Rey®, Naturals™, and Urban Canner™ along with the Adams Frozen Skillet Desserts and Adams Premium Ice Cream lines. In addition, Adams is proud to manufacture for some of the nations most respected Private Label Brands as well as other legacy Regional Seasoning Brands and is used to flavor many commercially produced food products around the nation.

 

Prize 3: A Set of Baking Pans from Anolon

Established in the 1950’s, Meyer Manufacturing started by making and selling flashlights. In 1971 they started their journey into selling cookware. By 1986 they released the world’s first hard-anodized nonstick cookware which revolutionized the world of home cooking. Their nonstick surface didn’t flake or scratch easily.

Today they sell bakeware with nonstick interior and exterior made with a special sapphire-reinforced blend that is triple coated. NOTE: Color may vary from the photo above.

Prize 4: An Assorted Baking Box from Sweets & Treats

Make Sweets & Treats your one-stop shop for all your holiday sprinkle needs. In addition to fun, festive and colorful sprinkles, Sweets & Treats offers cupcake liners, edible glitters, sugars, and more.

Founded in 2010 by Shannon Harvey out of an industry need for bold, bright cupcake liners and baking supplies that are the life of the party! Based in Louisiana, Sweets & Treats is a designer cupcake liner manufacturer and party supply company that creates exclusive greaseproof cupcake liners, sprinkles, sprinkle mixes, paper straws, and other baking supplies. 

 

Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Winners have 24 hours to respond once notified by email, or they forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be chosen. The #ChristmasCookies bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members living in the household cannot enter or win the giveaway. Entries will be verified. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Giveaway open to US Residents only who are 18 years of age or older to enter giveaway. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #ChristmasCookies posts or entry.

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Monday Christmas Cookie Recipes

• Amaretti Snowball Cookies by Our Sutton Place
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• Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Cappuccino Crinkles by West Via Midwest
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• Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies by Frugal & Fit
• Hermit Cookies by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Honey Spice Oatmeal Cookies by Family Around the Table
• Melting Snowman Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Pecan Brown Sugar Cookies by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Pecan Pie Bars by Eat Move Make
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• Peppermint Chocolate Cookies by Swirls of Flavor
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• Raspberry Jam Cookies by Making Miracles
• Reindeer Cookies by Sweet Beginnings
• Soft Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles by Jersey Girl Cooks
• Toffee Bars by That Recipe
• White Chocolate Cranberry Crinkle Cookies by Blogghetti

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