When I think about holiday baking, Brown Butter Snowball Cookies with Pecans always come to mind. There’s something special about the nuttiness of the browned butter paired with the crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a unique twist on a classic treat. I can’t wait to share the process and tips that make these cookies truly stand out. You might be surprised by just how simple they are to prepare. Let’s get started.
What kind of recipe is it?
Brown butter snowball cookies are a delightfully rich and nutty twist on the classic treat.
These melt-in-your-mouth morsels are made by toasting butter to develop a deep caramel flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
Dusting them in powdered sugar gives them a beautiful snowy appearance, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions.
Ideal for both cookie enthusiasts and those looking to impress guests, this recipe is a must-try for anyone wanting to elevate their dessert game with minimal effort.
Preparation Time
| Recipe Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Number of Servings | Approximately 24 cookies |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Chopped Nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) | 1 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Optional: Additional Powdered Sugar for dusting | As needed |
Essential Kitchen Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium) | Used for mixing ingredients; large for dough, medium for smaller portions or toppings. | Any large bowls you have at home (e.g., salad or serving bowls) |
| Measuring Cups (Dry and Liquid) | Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour and butter. | Use a standard cup size or even a mug, but note that accuracy may vary. |
| Measuring Spoons | Used for precise measurements of smaller ingredients like salt and vanilla extract. | Use a teaspoon or tablespoon from your kitchen, but confirm the sizes match. |
| Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer | Helps to cream butter and sugar together, and thoroughly mix the dough. | Use a whisk and elbow grease for manual mixing, but this may take longer! |
| Rubber Spatula | Ideal for scraping down the sides of mixing bowls and ensuring all ingredients are combined. | Any spoon or even your hands can be used, though they’re less effective. |
| Wooden Spoon | Useful for mixing thicker doughs and incorporating nuts. | Use any sturdy spoon you have, like a metal or plastic one. |
| Baking Sheets (2-3) | Needed for placing cookie dough; allows cookies to bake evenly. | Use any flat baking tray or even a cast iron skillet if needed. |
| Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats | Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and enables easy cleanup. | Lightly grease the baking sheets with oil or butter as an alternative. |
| Cookie Scoop or Spoon | Helps in portioning out cookie dough evenly for uniform baking. | Use a tablespoon to scoop dough instead, but the size may vary. |
| Cooling Rack | Allows cookies to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess. | Place cookies on a plate or cutting board, though they may not cool as well. |
| Oven Thermometer | Ensures your oven is at the right temperature for baking, crucial for cookie perfection. | Check your oven manually if you suspect it runs hot or cold (approx. 5-10 minutes). |
Cooking Steps
1. Gather all ingredients and kitchen equipment. Preheat your oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and position the oven rack in the middle.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add 240 g (2 cups) of all-purpose flour, 30 g (¼ cup) of powdered sugar, and 5 g (1 tsp) of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well combined.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 170 g (¾ cup) of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt, and continue heating it until it begins to brown, stirring frequently. The desired color will be a deep golden brown, and it will emit a nutty aroma, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove the browned butter from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Once slightly cooled, pour the butter into a large mixing bowl. Add 10 ml (2 tsp) of vanilla extract and 60 g (½ cup) of chopped nuts (optional), and stir until combined.
5. Gradually sprinkle the dry mixture into the bowl with the browned butter mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until just combined.
Don’t overmix; the dough should be crumbly yet hold together when squeezed.
6. With a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough, placing it onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) between each cookie.
Expect approximately 24 cookies to be formed.
7. Bake in the preheated oven at 175 °C (350 °F) for 15-18 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch.
Avoid browning the tops too much; they should remain pale.
8. Once baked, remove the trays from the oven, and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
This will help them firm up and maintain their shape.
9. Once cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar for coating.
Let the coated cookies set for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sugar to adhere properly.
10. Should you wish to store the cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, ensuring they remain fresh.
Variations
- Chocolate Hazelnut Snowballs: Replace half of the chopped nuts with 30 g (¼ cup) of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor and add chopped hazelnuts for texture.
- Gluten-Free Delight: Substitute the all-purpose flour with 240 g (2 cups) of a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Vegan Snowballs: Swap the unsalted butter with 170 g (¾ cup) of coconut oil and replace the egg if used in the original recipe with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Cranberry Orange Snowballs: Mix in 60 g (½ cup) of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange for a festive seasonal twist.
- Chai Spice Snowballs: Add 5 g (1 tsp) of chai spice blend to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
- Lemon Almond Snowballs: Incorporate lemon zest and 60 g (½ cup) of chopped almonds for a bright, zesty option.
- Baked Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Fold in 85 g (½ cup) of mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Air-Fried Snowballs: Cook the cookies in an air fryer at 175 °C (350 °F) for 10-12 minutes for a lighter, crispy exterior without the oven.
Tips on plating and presentation
While the taste of your Brown Butter Snowball Cookies is undoubtedly the star, the way you plate and present them can elevate their appeal.
I recommend using elegant serving dishes to showcase the cookies’ beauty.
Try adding cookie garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed pecans for a touch of color and texture that complements their deliciousness.
What other dishes can I pair it with?
To make the most of your Brown Butter Snowball Cookies, consider pairing them with a rich hot chocolate or a warm cup of spiced chai.
These delightful cookie selections complement sweet desserts beautifully.
You can also serve them alongside a creamy cheesecake or a tart fruit salad.
Elevating your dessert pairings enhances the experience, making every bite even more delicious and satisfying.
What drinks can I pair it with?
What can elevate the enjoyment of Brown Butter Snowball Cookies even further?
I love pairing them with a rich cup of coffee—think a dark roast or a creamy latte to complement those nutty flavors.
If tea’s more your style, a smooth chai or a delicate green tea brings out the cookies’ sweetness beautifully.
Both options are just divine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Other Nuts for Pecans in This Recipe?
Absolutely! I love experimenting with nuts. If you’re dealing with nut allergies, try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as substitutes. Each option brings a unique flavor, making your cookies just as delightful!
How Should I Store Leftover Snowball Cookies?
I store leftover snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This method keeps them fresh and tasty. For longer storage, I freeze them in a freezer bag. That’s my favorite storage method!
Can I Freeze Brown Butter Snowball Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze brown butter snowball cookies! I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. This technique boosts cookie longevity, letting me enjoy them later without losing flavor or texture.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Golden Brown Butter?
To achieve golden brown butter, I use low heat and stir constantly, watching for butter clarity. As the milk solids caramelize, they create that rich flavor. Patience is key; don’t rush this browning technique!
Are There Gluten-Free Options for This Cookie Recipe?
Absolutely, I’ve found that using gluten alternatives like almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose cookie flour works great. They keep the texture lovely and allow everyone to enjoy these delicious cookies, regardless of dietary needs.