As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, bringing warmth and joy to every home. One cookie that perfectly embodies the spirit of Christmas is the Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookie. These delightful treats are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a hint of cream cheese that adds a rich flavor. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, and they’re rolled in powdered sugar, making them look like snowy little balls of joy. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Rich Flavor: The addition of cream cheese makes these cookies incredibly moist and flavorful, while the pecans add a delightful crunch.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their beautiful snowy appearance makes them an ideal homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
- Versatile: Enjoy them at Christmas, but they’re delicious enough to be made year-round!
What You’ll Need
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, separated
- 1 1/3 cups pecan pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements.
- Baking Sheet: A flat surface for baking your cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cooling Rack: For letting the cookies cool evenly after baking.
Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Christmas Cookies: How It’s Done
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat them together until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Vanilla
Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is well incorporated, about another minute.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and sea salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the pecan pieces to the dough. The nuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 8: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack. While they are still warm, roll them in the remaining powdered sugar to create that snowy effect.
Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas
- Spring: Use lemon zest in the dough for a refreshing flavor twist.
- Summer: Add some dried cranberries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Fall: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch.
- Winter: Serve them alongside hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Cookies Spread Too Much: This may happen if the dough is too warm. Make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Dry Cookies: Overbaking can lead to dryness. Keep an eye on them and take them out as soon as they are lightly golden.
- Too Sweet: If you find the cookies too sweet, reduce the sugar in the rolling portion slightly for a balanced flavor.
- Pecans Are Overbaked: If you prefer a softer texture, add the pecans towards the end of the baking time.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also refrigerate them to extend their freshness for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months! Just remember to dust with powdered sugar after thawing.
Handy Q&A
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work beautifully in this recipe as well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They should turn out just as delicious!
What should I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them a perfect treat for cozy afternoons.
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Serve & Enjoy
Now that you have mastered the art of making Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Christmas Cookies, it’s time to share the joy! Serve these delightful cookies at your holiday gatherings, or package them up as thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Watch as everyone savors the buttery, creamy goodness and crunchy pecans.
These cookies are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of the holiday spirit, perfect for creating cherished memories with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite festive music, and let the baking begin! Your taste buds will thank you, and so will everyone who gets to enjoy these magical cookies.
Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus 2 tablespoons, separated
- 1 1/3 cups pecan pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well incorporated, about 1 minute.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and sea salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the pecan pieces gently to the dough.
- Portion out the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies for 5 minutes, then dust with remaining powdered sugar while still warm.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling rack
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too warm before baking.
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Freeze cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
