Pecan Snow Balls
Delightfully sweet pecan snowballs are tender, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar, perfect for festive occasions or as a charming treat for nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Beat butter flavor Crisco, powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla until creamy.
- Add flour, oats, chopped pecans, and salt; mix well.
- Shape rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls.
- Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet until bottoms are light golden brown, about 15 minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Cool completely on wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of butter flavor Crisco. If you prefer a nuttier taste, you can toast the pecans before chopping. To make the cookies more festive, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Ensure the dough is well-chilled before shaping to achieve perfectly round snowballs.
Serving Suggestions
These Pecan Snow Balls are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with other treats like Fruit Christmas Cookies for an appealing dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pecan Snow Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to three months. To refresh, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds until softened. This will help retain their delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Snow Balls contains roughly 215 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely for even distribution in the dough. Each nut will impart its unique flavor, allowing you to customize the cookies to your liking.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To prevent spreading, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps firm up the fat, leading to a thicker cookie. Additionally, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 325°F (163°C) before placing the cookies inside.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! To make Pecan Snow Balls gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better texture. Always check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).