Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies
Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies
These Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection — filled with the warm, nutty flavor of toasted sweet pecans and a hint of butter flavoring that makes them taste like little bites of heaven.
Rolled in powdered sugar while still warm, they’re soft, delicate, and absolutely irresistible with every crumbly bite.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
If you’ve ever had a classic snowball cookie, this is the Southern-inspired upgrade you didn’t know you needed. The butter flavoring adds that bakery-style richness, while the sweet pecans give every bite a caramelized crunch.
These cookies are perfect for the holidays, but honestly, I make them all year long — they pair beautifully with coffee, afternoon tea, or as a little sweet treat after dinner. The best part? They look fancy but come together in no time, and they store beautifully for gifting or cookie exchanges.
They’re that timeless cookie that reminds you of warm kitchens, laughter, and homemade love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon butter flavoring (or vanilla extract)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed sweet pecans (lightly toasted if desired)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter, powdered sugar, and butter flavoring until smooth and fluffy.
- Add flour and salt; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in the crushed sweet pecans, mixing just until evenly distributed.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar while warm.
- Once completely cool, roll again for that perfect snowball coating.
Jennie’s Thoughts
These cookies have my heart. I’ve made so many versions of snowball cookies, but this one — with the buttery aroma and sweet pecan crunch — feels extra special.
The butter flavoring gives them that nostalgic, bakery-fresh richness, while the pecans make them feel warm and homemade.
Every year, I find myself baking these just to fill the kitchen with that cozy scent. They remind me of the kind of cookie you’d see cooling on your grandmother’s counter — simple, comforting, and impossible to resist.
I love gifting these in little tins or jars tied with ribbon — they always get rave reviews. And when you take that first bite, and the powdered sugar melts right on your tongue? Pure bliss.
Baking Tips
- Use butter flavoring for a rich, golden butter taste that’s deeper than extract alone.
- Lightly toast the pecans for 5 minutes before crushing to bring out more flavor.
- Roll twice in powdered sugar — once warm, once cool — for that signature snowball finish.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Perfect for the Holidays
Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies are one of those must-have recipes for Christmas baking trays.
They sit beautifully beside Lemon Snowball Cookies, Gingerbread Snowballs, and Raspberry Almond Snowballs, creating a stunning assortment that looks like it came straight from a bakery window.
These cookies also make lovely gifts — add them to cellophane bags tied with gold ribbon, and you have a heartfelt homemade present everyone will love.
If you loved these Butter Pecan Snowball Cookies, try my Gingerbread Snowball Cookies next — they’re spiced, cozy, and perfect alongside a cup of hot cocoa.
