Some holiday treats feel fancy, others feel nostalgic and then there are the ones that feel like home. These Christmas Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies fall right into that last category. Soft, buttery, lightly sweet, and filled with toasted pecans, these cookies melt in your mouth and bring instant holiday cheer. They look exactly like little snowballs round, soft, and covered in a gentle layer of powdered sugar.

These cookies are unbelievably easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for baking with kids, sharing with neighbors, adding to cookie trays, or enjoying with a warm drink after a long winter day. Whether your holidays are busy and bustling or cozy and peaceful, a tray of buttery pecan snowballs will bring joy, comfort, and a delicious homemade touch to the season.

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Explore our minimalist Christmas Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies soft, delicate, and filled with bright raspberry flavor.

⭐ What Are Christmas Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are a classic across American holiday tables. They’re known by many names Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, Southern Butterballs but the idea is always the same: a crumbly buttery cookie filled with nuts and rolled in powdered sugar. This version uses pecans, which bring a warm, rich, nutty flavor that feels perfectly festive and comforting.

Why Families Love This Recipe

• 5–6 simple ingredients you probably already have
• Kid-friendly recipe easy mixing, scooping, and rolling
• Perfect for sharing ideal for cookie swaps and tins
• Cozy winter flavors butter, vanilla, toasted pecans
• No decorating required the powdered sugar finish does it all

⭐ Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 to 1¼ cups finely chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Finishing

• Powdered sugar for rolling (twice)

⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Toast the Pecans

If you want deeper flavor (and you do!), spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast them at 325°F for about 6–8 minutes. Let them cool before chopping. Toasting gives these cookies that warm, cozy, roasted flavor that makes them even more holiday-ready.

Step 2 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. The mixture should look fluffy and pale. Add the vanilla extract.

Step 3 – Add the Flour and Pecans

Mix in the flour and salt. Once mostly combined, fold in the chopped pecans. The dough will be slightly crumbly, but it should come together when pressed.

Step 4 – Shape the Cookies

Scoop small portions (about 1 inch) and roll them into round balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies, depending on size.

Step 5 – Bake the Snowballs

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes. The cookies should stay pale no browning on top. They may have barely golden bottoms, and that’s perfect.

Step 6 – Roll in Powdered Sugar (Twice!)

Roll each warm cookie gently in powdered sugar. Once they cool completely, roll them again so the coating sticks and looks beautifully snowy.

⭐ Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It

Helpful Tips

• Use softened butter for the correct crumbly, tender texture.
• Don’t over-bake these cookies should stay very pale.
• Double-roll in powdered sugar for the best snowball look.
• Cool completely before storing to avoid melting the sugar.

Family-Friendly Variations

• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm holiday flavor.
• Swap pecans for walnuts milder, but delicious.
• Add orange zest for a citrus twist.
• Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a fun, pretty touch.

Why They’re Perfect for Families

• Easy steps
• No fancy equipment
• Kids can roll and sugar-coat
• Perfect for gifting, sharing, and snacking

⭐Holiday Cookie Swap Favorite

Snowball cookies are always a hit at cookie exchanges because they stand out with their snowy finish and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make a double batch, place them in colorful holiday tins, and add a handwritten label instant, budget-friendly holiday gifts that look festive and feel heartfelt. These cookies stay fresh for days and pack beautifully, making them ideal for bringing to parties or sending home with friends.

⭐ A Cozy Baking Moment at Home

One of the best things about this recipe is how calm and relaxing it feels. Unlike complicated holiday desserts, these cookies don’t require frosting, decorating, or precise shaping. Put on a Christmas playlist, let the kids help roll the dough, and enjoy a cozy baking moment together. The kitchen smells like toasted pecans and vanilla, and before you know it, everyone is sneaking warm cookies off the tray.

These simple moments often become the most cherished holiday memories.

⭐ FAQs

⭐ Conclusion

These Christmas Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies are everything a holiday treat should be simple, cozy, delicious, and perfect for sharing. With buttery richness, toasted pecans, and a soft powdered-sugar “snow” coat, they bring holiday magic to any dessert table.

✨ Try them this week and tag @FoodyDays sharing food brings families closer!