Pecan Snowballs
Delightful pecan snowballs are buttery, nutty cookies coated in powdered sugar, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat for nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream margarine, vanilla, sugar, salt, flour, and chopped pecans together.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll in confectioners sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're looking to make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth. Make sure not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender. Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help improve the texture.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful snowballs can be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. They also make a lovely addition to a holiday dessert platter, especially when paired with other festive sweets like Sally's Pumpkin Bread. Dust with additional confectioners sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pecan Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Snowballs contains roughly 184 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 15g fat.
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 nuts other than pecans in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired. Each nut will impart a different flavor, so choose based on your personal preference. Just ensure they are chopped finely to maintain the texture of the snowballs.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make Pecan Snowballs vegan, use a dairy-free margarine and replace the sugar with coconut sugar or another vegan-friendly sweetener. Ensure that the confectioners sugar is also vegan, as some brands may contain bone char in the refining process.
Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to the dough being too warm or not enough flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and consider chilling the dough before baking to help maintain their shape during the baking process.
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).