Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Delightfully Dusty Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe for Winter Joy

Soft, powdery snowball cookies packed with rich pecan snowball cookies recipe charm are pure holiday magic.

These delicate morsels melt in your mouth with buttery goodness.

Generations of bakers have cherished this classic treat passed down through kitchens.

Crumbly, nutty, and blanketed in a cloud of sweet powdered sugar, these cookies embody festive comfort.

The simple ingredients blend into delightful spheres that sparkle like winter’s first snowfall.

Each bite delivers a delicate crunch and warm pecan flavor that transports you to cozy family gatherings.

Discover why these irresistible cookies have been a beloved dessert staple for decades.

How To Bake Pecan Snowball Cookies Step-By-Step

  • Butter Softening

Bring butter to room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing. This helps create a silky, luxurious cookie texture that melts in your mouth.

  • Dough Creation

Blend softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Add a splash of vanilla for a warm, inviting aroma. Slowly incorporate flour, creating a tender dough that’s studded with crunchy pecan pieces.

  • Cookie Shaping

Craft delicate round balls from the nutty dough. Arrange these little treasures on a baking sheet, giving each one enough space to breathe and transform.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the baking sheet into a warm oven. Watch as the cookies turn a beautiful golden shade, filling your kitchen with a rich, buttery fragrance. The edges will become delicately crisp while maintaining a soft center.

  • Powdered Sugar Embrace

While the cookies are still warm and gentle, lovingly coat them in a cloud of powdered sugar. Let them cool completely, then give them a second luxurious dusting, creating a snow-like finish that sparkles and delights.

Tips To Make Pecan Snowball Cookies Just Right

  • Pecan Snowball Cookies
  • Butter Consistency Magic: Ensure butter is softened at room temperature but not melted for the perfect cookie texture. Cold butter won't blend smoothly, while overly soft butter creates flat cookies.
  • Make-Ahead Dough Trick: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Chilled dough helps cookies maintain their round shape and prevents spreading during baking.
  • Toasting Pecan Boost: Lightly toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cookies. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better cookie structure.
  • Flavor Variation Parade: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts. Add a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough for a unique twist on the classic snowball cookie.

Simple Ways To Serve Pecan Snowball Cookies

  • Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these delicate snowball cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons for a charming homemade present that spreads sweet cheer.
  • Cozy Afternoon Pairing: Serve these buttery pecan cookies alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or chai tea for a delightful winter afternoon treat that warms both hands and heart.
  • Dessert Table Star: Arrange the powdered sugar-coated cookies on a decorative white platter with sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary for an elegant touch at holiday gatherings, creating a stunning visual display that tempts every guest.
  • Festive Breakfast Surprise: Offer these cookies as a special morning indulgence during holiday season, perfectly complementing a cup of rich coffee or creating a playful dessert-for-breakfast moment that delights family and friends.

Storage Instructions For Pecan Snowball Cookies

  • Cozy Cookie Care: Storing these delightful pecan snowballs ensures maximum freshness and flavor.
  • Airtight Container Magic: Store cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 5 days, keeping them soft and delicious.
  • Freezing Friendly Technique: Layer cookies between wax paper in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months, perfect for make-ahead treats.
  • Moisture Management Method: Add a slice of bread to the storage container to maintain cookie softness and prevent crumbling, keeping them tender and moist.
  • Powdered Sugar Touch-Up: Before serving stored cookies, dust with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar to refresh their signature snowy appearance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 23

Ingredients Needed For Pecan Snowball Cookies

For Base and Binding:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich flavor and helps bind ingredients together, choose high-quality butter for best taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Soft, fine sugar that creates tender texture and adds delicate sweetness, sift to prevent lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer that deepens flavor profile, use pure extract for most authentic taste.
For Structure and Texture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural component that gives cookies their shape, use fresh flour for optimal results.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer that balances sweetness and strengthens dough structure.
For Crunch and Depth:
  • Pecans: Nutty ingredient that provides rich, toasty crunch and earthy undertones, toast lightly before chopping for enhanced flavor.
For Finishing:
  • Powdered Sugar: Additional coating that creates signature snowy appearance and adds extra sweetness, sift generously for even coverage.

Tools You’ll Need For Pecan Snowball Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining butter, sugar, and other ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for beating butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Baking sheet: Flat surface for baking cookies evenly.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Wire rack: Helps cookies cool completely and prevents bottom sogginess.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for folding in pecans and mixing dough.
  • Small bowl: Handy for extra powdered sugar coating.
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Jalapeno Cheese Rounds With Spicy Yogurt Dip Recipe

Jalapeno Cheese Rounds With Spicy Yogurt Dip Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Jalapeno cheese rounds tantalize taste buds with their zesty Mexican-inspired profile. Crispy edges and spicy yogurt dip create an irresistible snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large fresh jalapeno chillies
  • 2 cups (473 ml) extra tasty cheddar, grated
  • 1 cup (237 ml) parmesan, grated

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (237 ml) Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic

Spices and Condiments:

  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty yogurt dip by blending Greek yogurt, sriracha, paprika, and minced garlic in a food processor until silky smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then chill in the refrigerator for optimal flavor melding.
  2. Heat the oven to 180C (350F) and strategically line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  3. Create a robust cheese base by thoroughly mixing grated cheddar and parmesan in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Protect hands with culinary gloves while handling jalapenos. Meticulously trim pepper ends, carefully extract seeds, and slice into delicate rings that will crown each cheese medallion.
  5. Employ a tablespoon to portion cheese mixture onto prepared baking sheets, forming rustic circular shapes. Gently press a jalapeno ring into the center of each round, maintaining adequate spacing to allow for natural spreading.
  6. Roast the cheese rounds in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until edges transform into a golden, crisp perimeter. Let the rounds cool directly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.
  7. Present the spicy cheese rounds alongside the chilled yogurt dip, creating a tantalizing appetizer that balances heat and creaminess.

Notes

  • Protect your hands with gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation from their spicy oils.
  • Ensure baking paper is used to prevent cheese rounds from sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Let the cheese rounds cool completely on the baking tray to help them firm up and maintain their crispy texture.
  • Refrigerate the spicy yogurt dip ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Keep an eye on the cheese rounds while baking, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt in just a minute or two.
  • Serve these rounds immediately after cooling for the best crispy, cheesy experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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