Description
Southern Pecan Butterballs are delicate, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar, known by many names such as Snowball Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cookies, and Russian Tea Cakes. These bite-sized treats combine a tender, crumbly texture with the rich flavor of pecans, making them perfect for dessert or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter flavored vegetable shortening (Crisco)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the shortening, 1 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt using a fork or whisk to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the shortening mixture, a little at a time, stirring gently to avoid flour flying everywhere. Mix until just combined; the dough will appear crumbly.
- Add Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans into the dough evenly.
- Shape the Cookies: With clean hands, roll the dough into walnut-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 ½ inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the oven’s center rack for about 15 minutes, or until the edges just begin to lightly brown. Bake one sheet at a time for even cooking.
- First Sugar Coating: While cookies are baking, prepare a bowl of powdered sugar. Once the cookies are cool enough to handle but still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly.
- Cool and Second Coating: Place the cookies on parchment paper or a platter to finish cooling. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar to achieve an even, smooth coating.
- Serve: Serve the Southern Pecan Butterballs immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use vegetable shortening to maintain the cookies’ characteristic texture and flavor.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice provides a smooth, even coating and classic appearance.
- Do not bake both sheets at once to ensure even baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American