Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yields: Approximately 24 cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven (Low Intensity):
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Cream Butter and Sugar (Medium Intensity):
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla and Salt (Low Intensity):
- Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour and Pecans (Medium Intensity):
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Chill the Dough (Low Intensity):
- Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough helps it firm up and enhances the flavor.
- Shape into Balls (Low Intensity):
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) if it’s not already.
- Take the chilled dough and shape it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake (Medium-High Intensity):
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar (Low Intensity):
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- While they are still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until they are generously coated. The warmth of the cookies will help the powdered sugar adhere.
- Cool Completely (Low Intensity):
- Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Recoat with Powdered Sugar (Low Intensity):
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, give them another roll in powdered sugar for a snowy appearance.
- Serve and Enjoy Your Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies! (Low Intensity):
Optional: Add a touch of holiday cheer by dusting the powdered sugar with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, assuming 24 cookies):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 25mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used. Adjust quantities to fit your dietary preferences and restrictions.