Pecan Snowball Cookies (Pecan Puffs)

Pecan snowball cookies, also called pecan puffs or Mexican wedding cookies, are simple to make and always welcome during the holidays.

These soft, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie trays, or leaving out for Santa. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and toasted pecan flavor make them a classic choice for the season.

For me, these cookies carry a strong sense of tradition. My aunt Debby made them every Christmas and paired each batch with an ornament for the tree, a practice she learned from her mother. Now my sister and I continue the ritual.

As the scent of toasted pecans fills the kitchen and warm cookies get rolled in powdered sugar, the memories return—simple moments that capture the spirit and comfort of Christmas.

What Are Pecan Puffs?

Pecan puffs are classic Christmas cookies known by many names — snowball cookies, Mexican wedding cookies, and Russian Tea Cakes. They’re buttery, powdered sugar–coated cookie balls made with finely ground pecans for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. My family has always known them as my aunt’s recipe, passed down from her mother, but they’ve appeared in the Joy of Cooking for decades under the name Mexican Wedding Cakes, proving just how timeless they are.

Why You'll Love These Cookies

Pecan snowball cookies are simple to make and impossible to resist. The buttery pecan dough comes together in minutes and bakes into soft, crumbly cookies that get their sweet finish from a warm roll in powdered sugar. Using slightly less flour gives them a tender, cake-like texture, and a touch of vanilla brings the flavor together. They’re the perfect mix of sweet and nutty, and a true Christmas essential.

The Ingredients

• Butter - I use salted butter.
• Sugar
• Vanilla
• Pecans
• Flour - I like to use white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour, but the original recipe uses all purpose flour. If you're using whole wheat flour, use one less tablespoon.
• Powdered sugar
• Salt - Optional, especially if you're using salted butter.

How To Make Them

1. Pulse the pecans in the food processor until they're finely chopped, the size of crumbs. Set the pecans aside in a bowl.
2. Using the same food processor, combine the butter and sugar, pulsing until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and blend again until smooth.
3. Add the flour, pecans, and salt (if using). Blend until the dough is completely combined.
4. Scoop the dough with a small cookie scoop or by the tablespoon and roll into balls. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone baking mat.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 300°F.
6. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar.

Storing Snowball Cookies

Make sure the cookies are completely cool before storing them. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can Pecan Snowball Cookies Be Frozen?

Yes! Snowball cookies freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer safe bag or container. Place a piece of parchment or waxed paper in between each layer. Freeze for up to 3 months.

The dough can also be frozen after you scoop it into balls. Just freeze on a baking sheet and then transfer the frozen balls to a freezer bag or container. Once you're ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw so that it's not frozen, but is still cold.

More Christmas Treats You'll Love

• Cocodates (No Bake Coconut Date Cookies)
• Scotcheroos (No Corn Syrup!)
• Maple Bourbon Pumpkin Seed Brittle
• The Best Cutout Sugar Cookies With Icing
• Easy Gingersnaps

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This post was originally published December 2015 and has been updated.