Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s delightfully tender, buttery, and melts in your mouth, then I have to share my all-time favorite Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe with you. These little snowballs are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy coffee breaks, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. I absolutely love this recipe because the cream cheese adds that incredible softness, making these cookies stand apart from the usual pecan snowball. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is there for a reason — they come together in a beautifully balanced way. I always use softened cream cheese and butter for the smoothest dough, and pecans that are either fresh or lightly toasted for that delicious depth.

• Cream Cheese: Softened is key here for easy mixing and that tender crumb we all love.
• Butter: Also softened; it brings richness and helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Flour: Plain all-purpose is perfect for the right structure and chew.
• Powdered Sugar: Using a portion inside the dough and a generous amount for rolling creates that signature snowy look.
• Pecans: I like to pulse them finely but still leave a little texture — you can toast them first for an extra nutty flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: This adds that lovely warm sweetness that ties everything together.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the sweet.

Variations

What I really love about the Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played around with a few tweaks depending on what I have on hand or the occasion, and I encourage you to do the same!

• Toasted Pecans: I discovered that lightly toasting the pecans before chopping takes the flavor to a whole new level — the extra nutty aroma fills the kitchen and tastes incredible.
• Walnuts Instead of Pecans: Once, I swapped pecans for walnuts, and my family still went crazy for the results — totally fine if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here. Just keep an eye on the dough texture and add a splash of milk if it feels too dry.
• Spiced Snowballs: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg infuses a cozy warmth — great for holiday vibes!

How to Make Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Pulse the Pecans to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Then, toss the pecan pieces and a bit of powdered sugar into your food processor. Pulse them until they’re finely chopped — you want small bits but not a paste. This little trick sweetens the nuts slightly and ensures they distribute evenly through the dough. I always love how this step makes those pecans pop in every bite!

Step 2: Cream Cream Cheese, Butter, and Sugar

In a medium bowl, use your mixer to combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Beat them until the mix is smooth and creamy — this is key to a tender snowball cookie. I find stopping to scrape the bowl down once or twice helps get that perfect silky texture without lumpiness.

Step 3: Add Vanilla, Flour, Salt, and Pecans

Mix in your vanilla extract until fully blended, then gradually add the flour and sea salt. Keep mixing but try not to overwork the dough — you want it just combined. Fold in the finely chopped pecans on low speed or gently with a spatula so they stay evenly spread throughout.

Step 4: Shape and Bake Your Snowballs

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to roll the dough into 1-inch balls — these will spread a little, so keep them spaced slightly apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 325°F for 14-17 minutes. Watch for the edges or bottoms to just start turning lightly golden.

One trick I learned the hard way: baking at a lower temp for a bit longer keeps the cookies tender and crumbly instead of dry and crumbly. So don’t rush it by increasing the heat!

Step 5: The Powdered Sugar Finale

After the cookies cool for a few minutes (but before they’re fully cooled), roll them gently in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, roll them again — I often do this twice to get that classic snowball look and texture. Sometimes, a third roll just seals the deal and keeps the powdery goodness on lock.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to dust an extra light sprinkle of powdered sugar on the plate when serving these cookies — it adds a beautiful snowy touch that makes these irresistible. For festive occasions, I sometimes add a tiny scattering of edible gold flakes or a sprinkle of cinnamon powder for warmth.

Side Dishes

These snowball cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or rich hot chocolate. I’ve also served them alongside a small bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I arrange these cookies on a wooden board or tiered cake stands with sprigs of fresh pine or holly for a festive look. Wrapping a few in parchment and tying them with twine turns them into cute gifts everyone adores. You can even serve them nestled in mini cupcake liners for a polished touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully soft and fresh for up to a week. Just make sure the container is well sealed to keep that powdered sugar coating intact.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these cookies, I suggest rolling the dough into balls and placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time. This way, you always have snowball cookies ready on demand!

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to warm them up, just pop them in a slightly warm oven (about 275°F) for 5 minutes to soften gently without melting the powdered sugar coating. Microwaving tends to make them too soft and lose that delicate crumb, so I avoid it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Cream Cheese Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe, I’m reminded why it’s been a staple in my kitchen for years. The soft, buttery texture combined with the rich pecans and that delicate powdered sugar coating makes them truly unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a special occasion, I know you’ll love how these cookies turn out. So, grab your cream cheese, get those pecans ready, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen — your new favorite snowball cookies are just a bake away!

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