🛒 Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (plus ¾ cup more for rolling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
1 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
(pecans = extra-Kentucky touch!)
🔥 Pro Tip: Lightly toast the nuts first — deepens flavor 10x!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)
Spread chopped pecans on a dry skillet over medium heat.
Stir 3–5 mins until fragrant and slightly darker.
Let cool completely before using.
2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat:
Butter
½ cup powdered sugar
Vanilla
Mix until light and fluffy (~2 mins).
3️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in:
Flour
Salt
Stir until dough comes together — don’t overmix!
Fold in toasted nuts.
4️⃣ Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.
✅ Why? Prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.
5️⃣ Shape & First Sugar Roll
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop 1-tbsp portions, roll into balls.
Roll each ball in powdered sugar before placing on sheet.
❄️ This first coat helps create a craggy, snowy crust.
6️⃣ Bake Until Set
Bake 18–20 minutes, until edges are pale golden (not brown).
Cookies will feel soft — that’s perfect!
7️⃣ Second Sugar Roll (The Magic Touch)
Let cool 5 minutes.
Gently roll warm cookies in more powdered sugar.
Let cool completely — they firm up as they cool.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
With coffee or spiced chai
On a holiday cookie platter
Packed in a mason jar with ribbon as a gift
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Gluten-Free? Swap flour for 1:1 GF blend — works beautifully
🥥 Nut-Free? Use sunflower seeds or omit entirely
🍫 Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Dough keeps 3 days in fridge or 3 months in freezer
❄️ Freeze Baked Cookies: Cool completely, freeze in single layer, then store in bags — thaw at room temp
🍁 Kentucky Twist: Add ½ tsp bourbon to the dough — subtle warmth and depth
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Powdered sugar in dough = tender crumb (less gluten development)
Double sugar roll = maximum snowy look and sweetness
Toasted pecans = rich, earthy flavor that screams “Southern”
Low oven temp = even cooking without browning
It’s not magic — it’s generational wisdom. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Gifts Are Baked With Love
You don’t need fireworks or fancy gifts to celebrate someone special.
Just good butter, real sugar, and a heart full of care.
These Snowball Cookies prove that the most meaningful treats are often the simplest — where every bite says, “I thought of you.”
So next time you want to make a birthday (or any day) feel magical…
Turn on the oven.
Let your kitchen fill with the scent of butter, vanilla, and home-baked joy.
And serve them with a smile — because love, like powdered sugar, is best shared. 💙