Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
2. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Pecans

1. Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

1. Using your hands, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just starting to turn golden on the bottoms. They should remain pale on top.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar

1. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
2. While still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar to coat them. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before rolling them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy finish.

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Tips and Tricks

• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
• Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, use fresh pecans and chop them finely to blend well into the cookies.
• Make Them Your Own: Feel free to experiment by adding a teaspoon of almond extract or swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.

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Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.