Pecan Butterball Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Pecan Butterball Cookies are rich, buttery treats loaded with chopped nuts, coated in powdered sugar, perfect for holidays or sweet snacking with coffee or tea.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cream butter and powdered sugar; stir in vanilla.
  2. Work in flour; add chopped nuts.
  3. Take a pinch of dough and form into a ball the size of a large marble.
  4. Place on a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
  6. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of powdered sugar. If you want a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies maintain their shape. These delightful treats are reminiscent of the flavors found in American recipes like Chocolate Scotheroos or Holiday Pumpkin Pie.

Serving Suggestions

These Pecan Butterball Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For a festive touch, serve them alongside Christmas Toffee Bars or Candied Pecan Sweet Potatoes for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Pecan Butterball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pecan Butterball Cookies contains roughly 337 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 26g fat.

337 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.5g 3% DV
Total Fat 26g 33% DV
Carbs 19.8g 7% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 8.5g 17% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1mg
Potassium 156.7mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 60mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.6mcg
Calcium 9.7mg 1% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Just chop them finely to ensure they blend well into the dough.

What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If the dough feels too crumbly and isn't holding together, try adding a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

These cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom and firm to the touch. They may not look fully baked on top, but they will firm up as they cool. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

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).

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