Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Snowball cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a subtle orange aroma and a satisfying nutty crunch. These melt-in-your-mouth delights are perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with your afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 100g pecans
• 70g plain flour
• 50g softened butter
• 25g caster sugar
• 1 orange, zested
• 2 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) or, if using an air fryer, heat to 160°C. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment, or prepare a basket-lined tray suitable for your air fryer.
2. Step 2: Place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until they form a rough powder. Transfer them to a bowl and mix with the plain flour.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, caster sugar, and orange zest together using an electric whisk until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the pecan and flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
5. Step 5: Shape the dough into 10 even-sized balls and place them on the prepared tray.
6. Step 6: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until set but still pale on top, or air fry for 10-15 minutes (you may need to cook in batches). Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Once cool enough to handle, gently roll each cookie in the icing sugar and return to the tray. Let them cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a different nutty flavor, substitute pecans with almonds or walnuts.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
• Use finely grated lemon zest instead of orange for a brighter citrus note.
• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to make mixing easier and achieve a tender texture.

Storage

Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They keep well without refrigeration. For best flavor and texture, dust with extra icing sugar just before serving. If needed, reheat gently in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts. Just ensure the blend is suitable for baking to maintain the right texture.

Can I freeze snowball cookies?

Snowball cookies freeze well. Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with icing sugar before serving.

Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 10 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats packed with pecans and a hint of orange zest. Lightly dusted with icing sugar, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture perfect for festive occasions or casual snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 100g pecans
• 70g plain flour
• 25g caster sugar
• 2 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra for dusting

Wet Ingredients

• 50g softened butter
• 1 orange, zested

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Instructions

1. Prepare Nuts and Flour Mix: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4 or heat an air fryer to 160C. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment or use a suitable tray for the air fryer basket. Place the pecans into a food processor and pulse until they reach a rough powder consistency. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the plain flour.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, use an electric whisk to beat the softened butter, caster sugar, and orange zest together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This ensures the cookies will have a light texture and the orange flavor is evenly distributed.
3. Combine Ingredients to Form Dough: Add the pecan and flour mixture into the butter mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are combined but not overworked to keep the texture tender.
4. Shape Cookies: Divide the dough into 10 even-sized balls and arrange them on the prepared baking tray or air fryer basket, spacing them slightly apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
5. Bake Cookies: Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the cookies are set but still pale on top. If using an air fryer, bake for 10 to 15 minutes, possibly in batches depending on the size of your basket. The cookies should be firm to touch but not browned.
6. Cool and Coat with Icing Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, gently roll each cookie ball in the icing sugar to coat. Place them back on the tray and allow to cool completely.
7. Serve and Store: Dust the fully cooled cookies with an additional layer of icing sugar just before serving for a classic snowball effect. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly zested orange to maximize the citrus flavor.
• If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the pecans but ensure they are well broken down for the proper texture.
• Cookies can be baked in an air fryer but may require batch cooking depending on capacity.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp and fresh for up to five days.
• Dust with extra icing sugar just before serving for optimal presentation and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Snowball cookies, pecan cookies, orange zest cookies, Christmas cookies, buttery cookies, iced cookies