Pecan Snowball Cookies

Step 1

Cream the butter and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 2

Add vanilla and beat on medium until incorporated. Gradually add the flour and beat on low speed until combined. Add pecans and beat until incorporated. Turn the mixer to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until dough becomes more breadcrumb like and less dry (You should be able to easily shape the dough into a ball using your hands).

Step 3

Line two half sheet baking pans with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll into a 1-inch ball with your hands and place an inch apart on the baking sheet. Once the baking sheet is full, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for one hour.

Step 4

Preheat oven to 350 F. Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, until they are golden brown on the bottom edges.

Step 5

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them in a bowl of confectioners' sugar while still warm, until completely coated. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The sugar at this stage will melt and be slightly sticky. Roll them again in confectioners' sugar once completely cooled.