Butternut Snowballs
Butternut Snowballs are tender, nutty cookies coated in powdered sugar, perfect for holidays or special occasions, offering a rich buttery flavor with a crunchy pecan interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Sift flour with salt and add to the creamed mixture.
- Blend thoroughly.
- Add chopped pecans and mix.
- Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a slow 325°F oven for about 20 minutes.
- Do not allow to brown. Cool and roll in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the butter is at room temperature before creaming. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. For a festive twist, you could incorporate a bit of orange zest into the dough, reminiscent of flavors found in White Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These Butternut Snowballs are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with other holiday cookies like the Killer Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies. They make for a charming addition to any dessert table, especially during the winter season.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Butternut Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can layer them between sheets of parchment paper. If you want to enjoy them warm, briefly reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butternut Snowballs contains roughly 1787 calories, with 16g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 143g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 492mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used in this recipe, it may affect the flavor and texture. Butter gives the cookies a rich taste and helps them achieve a tender crumb. If you need a dairy-free option, use a vegan butter substitute for similar results.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The Butternut Snowballs should be set and firm to the touch but not browned. Keep an eye on them as they bake; it typically takes about 20 minutes at 325°F. If you notice the edges are starting to brown, remove them immediately to avoid overbaking.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. For the dough, shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container. Thaw and roll in powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).