Toasted Pecan Snowballs Recipe

Get ready to experience the delightful crunch and sweet flavor of Toasted Pecan Snowballs. These bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with your afternoon tea. Made from a handful of ingredients, these cookies have a buttery and nutty flavor that will leave everyone asking for more.

Photos of Toasted Pecan Snowballs Recipe

This recipe calls for pecans, which are not always readily available in all kitchens. As a key ingredient, these nuts provide a rich, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch to the snowball cookies. You might need to visit a supermarket or a local grocery store to buy them. Moreover, we will use confectioner’s sugar, also known as powdered or icing sugar, which is not as commonly used as regular granulated sugar. It's fine texture is what gives these cookies their characteristic melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Ingredients for Toasted Pecan Snowballs

Unsalted butter: This is the base of your cookie dough, providing both flavor and structure.

Confectioner’s sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this gives our cookies a smooth texture and sweetness.

Pure vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and depth to the overall flavor of the cookies.

All purpose flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.

Pecans: Gives our cookies a deliciously nutty flavor and a delightful crunch. Optionally, these can be toasted for an even deeper flavor.

Sprinkles: These are optional and can be added for a fun and colorful twist.

One reader, Jeffry Ricks says:

This toasted pecan snowballs recipe is a game-changer! The cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the pecans add a delightful crunch. The recipe is easy to follow and the end result is a perfect balance of sweetness. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to impress with a delightful treat!

Jeffry Ricks

Techniques Required for Making Toasted Pecan Snowballs

How to prepare the cookie dough: Mixing the butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and pecans until the dough comes together.

How to chill the cookie dough: Covering the cookie dough tightly and refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days.

How to line the baking sheets: Placing parchment paper or silicone baking mats on the baking sheets before placing the cookie dough.

How to roll the cookie dough: Scooping or rolling 1 tablespoon of cookie dough per cookie, then rolling it into a ball and placing it on the prepared baking sheets.

How to bake the cookies: Baking the cookies at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes until golden brown on the bottom edges and just barely browned on top.

How to coat the cookies with confectioners’ sugar: Gently rolling the cookies in confectioners’ sugar to coat them completely, then allowing them to cool on wire racks before rolling them in confectioners’ sugar again.

How To Make Toasted Pecan Snowballs

These toasted pecan snowballs are made with a simple cookie base that’s baked and rolled in confectioners’ sugar. Takes 5 ingredients to make!

Preparation: 45 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 1 hour

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
2cupsconfectioner’s sugar,divided
2tsppure vanilla extract
2¼cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled
1cuppecans,finely chopped and toasted

For Optional:

⅔cupsprinkles

Instructions

In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
Add ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar and beat on medium-high speed until combined and creamy-looking. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Next, beat in the vanilla extract on medium-high speed until combined. Switch to low speed and slowly add the flour. The dough will look dry.
Once all of the flour is added, turn the mixer up to high speed. The dough will come together. Finally, beat in the pecans. At this point, beat in the sprinkles as well.
Cover the cookie dough tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days*.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.
Pour the remaining confectioners’ sugar into a shallow bowl.
Scoop or roll 1 tablespoon of cookie dough per cookie. Roll into a ball and place on the baking sheets, at least 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies for about 15 minutes until golden brown on the bottom edges and just barely browned on top.
Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then very gently roll them in the confectioners’ sugar to coat completely.
Place the cookies on wire racks to cool completely. Once completely cooled, roll in confectioners’ sugar again. This is when the sugar will really stick.

Recipe Notes

If chilling for more than 3 hours, make sure to let the cookie dough sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls. The cookie dough will be very stiff after being in the fridge that long.

Nutrition

Calories: 133.59kcal
Fat: 7.17g
Saturated Fat: 3.42g
Trans Fat: 0.21g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.45g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.82g
Carbohydrates: 16.73g
Fiber: 0.47g
Sugar: 10.38g
Protein: 1.11g
Cholesterol: 13.56mg
Sodium: 1.04mg
Calcium: 4.74mg
Potassium: 21.70mg
Iron: 0.44mg
Vitamin A: 43.21µg
Vitamin C: 0.03mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Toasted Pecan Snowballs

To ensure your pecans are evenly distributed throughout your cookie dough, consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the mixture. This not only enhances their flavor but also dries them out, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the dough during mixing. To toast your pecans, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they're lightly toasted and aromatic. Allow them to cool before chopping and adding to your dough.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Toasted Pecan Snowballs

Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes will make it easier to handle and shape, as well as prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help ensure that all the cookies are of uniform size, which will result in even baking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Pre-measuring all the ingredients before starting the recipe will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for ingredients.

Bake in batches: If your oven is not large enough to accommodate all the cookies at once, bake them in batches to ensure even baking.

Invest in a good quality mixer: Using a stand mixer or a hand-held mixer will significantly reduce the time and effort required for mixing the dough, resulting in a smoother and more consistent texture.

Use parchment paper: Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats will make cleanup easier and prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.

Substitute Ingredients For Toasted Pecan Snowballs Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the recipe, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
confectioner’s sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly. You can also blend granulated sugar to make a homemade confectioner's sugar substitute.
all purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative, adding a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture to the snowballs.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the snowballs.

Presenting Toasted Pecan Snowballs for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the plating: When presenting the toasted pecan snowballs, focus on creating an elegant and refined presentation. Use a minimalist approach to showcase the cookies, allowing their natural beauty to shine through.
Incorporate texture: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating contrasting textures. Consider serving the toasted pecan snowballs on a bed of finely crushed pecans to create a delightful textural contrast.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to draw attention to the toasted pecan snowballs. Allow the cookies to stand out by strategically arranging them on the plate, leaving ample space between each one for a visually striking effect.
Garnish with edible flowers: Elevate the visual appeal of the toasted pecan snowballs by delicately adorning the plate with edible flowers. The vibrant colors and delicate petals will add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate a dusting of powdered sugar: Enhance the visual allure of the toasted pecan snowballs by delicately dusting the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar. This subtle touch will impart a sense of sophistication and refinement to the presentation.
Consider a modern plating approach: Embrace a modern plating style by arranging the toasted pecan snowballs in a linear or asymmetrical fashion. This contemporary approach will captivate the eye and showcase your culinary artistry.
Emphasize symmetry: Create a visually stunning presentation by emphasizing symmetry in the arrangement of the toasted pecan snowballs. Pay attention to the placement of each cookie to achieve a balanced and harmonious display.
Highlight the pecans: Showcase the star ingredient by incorporating whole or crushed pecans as a decorative element on the plate. This not only adds visual interest but also reinforces the flavor profile of the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Toasted Pecan Snowballs

Hand-held mixer or stand mixer: A hand-held mixer or stand mixer is used to beat the butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth. It helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Parchment paper or silicone baking mats are used to line the baking sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking and ensuring even baking.
Wire racks: Wire racks are used to cool the cookies evenly and allow air to circulate around them, preventing sogginess on the bottom.

Storing and Freezing Toasted Pecan Snowballs for Later

Make sure the toasted pecan snowballs are completely cooled before storing to avoid any condensation or sogginess.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the snowballs:
- Place the cooled cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag.
- Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw, remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
If the confectioners' sugar coating has absorbed into the cookies after thawing, you can roll them in a fresh layer of confectioners' sugar before serving to restore their snowy appearance.

Interesting Trivia About Toasted Pecan Snowballs

The toasted pecan snowballs recipe is a classic holiday treat that is also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes. These cookies are a popular choice for holiday cookie exchanges and are loved for their delicate, buttery texture and nutty flavor. They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea and are a delightful addition to any festive dessert spread.

Is Making Toasted Pecan Snowballs at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this toasted pecan snowballs recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it budget-friendly. The use of pecans and vanilla extract may slightly increase the cost, but the yield of cookies justifies the expense. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9/10, considering its simplicity, delightful taste, and affordability.

Are Toasted Pecan Snowballs Healthy or Unhealthy?

This toasted pecan snowballs recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe is high in butter and sugar, which are calorie-dense and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
The use of all-purpose flour means the recipe is made with refined carbohydrates, which have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients.
Pecans, while nutritious, are high in calories and fat, which can add to the overall calorie count of the recipe.

However, there are some ways to make this recipe a bit healthier without sacrificing too much flavor:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase the fiber content and add some nutrients.
Reduce the amount of butter by 1/4 cup and replace it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt. This will lower the calorie and fat content while still keeping the cookies moist.
Cut back on the confectioner's sugar by 1/2 cup to reduce the overall sugar content of the recipe.
Use a smaller scoop or roll the dough into smaller balls to create smaller cookies, which will help with portion control.
Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients, such as dried cranberries or orange zest, to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the cookies.

Editor's Opinion on the Toasted Pecan Snowballs Recipe

The toasted pecan snowballs recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of pecans with the sweetness of confectioners' sugar. The addition of sprinkles adds a fun and colorful twist to these classic cookies. The texture is perfectly crumbly, and the pecans provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. The recipe's simple steps make it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. These snowballs are a wonderful addition to any holiday dessert spread or a delightful treat any time of year.

Enhance Your Toasted Pecan Snowballs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Whipped sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a marshmallow and pecan streusel.

Grilled Asparagus: Asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto and drizzled with a balsamic glaze, served with a side of lemon aioli for dipping.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits tossed in a honey-lime dressing and garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Toasted Pecan Snowballs

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy texture makes this soup a crowd-pleaser.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This honey garlic glazed salmon recipe is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. The sweet and savory glaze pairs perfectly with the tender and flaky salmon, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and tropical dessert that is both healthy and satisfying. The combination of sweet mango, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds makes this pudding a guilt-free indulgence.

Ideal Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Toasted Pecan Snowballs

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a savory and indulgent appetizer, try creating stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized treats are perfect for entertaining and will impress your guests with their rich and satisfying taste.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with bruschetta topped with a variety of fresh and vibrant ingredients such as tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. This classic Italian dish is a refreshing and light option that will awaken your taste buds and leave your guests wanting more.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: For a light and flavorful main course, consider grilling salmon with a zesty lemon and herb marinade. The smoky char from the grill adds depth to the fish's natural flavors, while the marinade infuses it with a bright and tangy taste. Serve the grilled salmon with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Elevate your dinner with stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and aromatic spices. The peppers are baked until tender, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a comforting and hearty dish. Top the stuffed peppers with melted cheese for an indulgent finishing touch.

Why trust this Toasted Pecan Snowballs Recipe:

This recipe for toasted pecan snowballs is a delightful treat that promises to impress with its irresistible blend of pecans and vanilla extract. The use of high-quality butter and confectioner's sugar ensures a rich and indulgent flavor. The addition of sprinkles adds a fun and colorful touch, making it perfect for special occasions. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, these snowballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, embodying the essence of homemade goodness. Trust in the simplicity and elegance of this recipe to create a memorable and delectable dessert experience.

Share your thoughts on the Toasted Pecan Snowballs Recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how your batch turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be mindful that the cookies may turn out slightly saltier. If using salted butter, consider reducing the amount of added salt in the recipe.

Can I make these cookies without nuts for allergies?

Absolutely! You can omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy. The cookies will still turn out delicious and have a wonderful buttery flavor.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Simply roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I substitute the sprinkles with something else?

Of course! If you prefer not to use sprinkles, you can substitute them with mini chocolate chips, colored sanding sugar, or even finely chopped dried fruit for a different flavor and texture.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.