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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 cup finely chopped pecans - 2 cups all-purpose flour These main ingredients create a rich base for the cookies. The unsalted butter gives a creamy texture. Pure maple syrup adds a sweet, earthy flavor. The pecans provide a delightful crunch. All-purpose flour binds everything together for a perfect cookie shape. - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Additional powdered sugar for dusting Cinnamon adds warmth to your cookies. It complements the maple flavor well. Dusting with powdered sugar creates a beautiful finish. This gives the cookies their signature snowball look. - How to measure ingredients accurately: Use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon flour into the cup and level it off. Avoid packing it down. For liquids, use a clear measuring cup for accuracy. - Best substitutes for butter and maple syrup: If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. For maple syrup, agave syrup works as a good alternative. However, the flavor will change slightly. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. 2. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. 3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. This step is key for texture. 1. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. The cinnamon is optional but adds nice flavor. 2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. 3. Now, fold in 1 cup of finely chopped pecans. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. 1. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each ball. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Look for lightly golden bottoms as a sign they are done. 3. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. 4. After cooling, dust the cookies with more powdered sugar. This gives them a lovely snowball look. Enjoy this delightful treat! To get the right dough consistency, cream the butter and sugar well. This step adds air and makes the cookies light. If your dough seems too dry, add a touch of maple syrup. For a fluffy cookie, do not overmix once you add flour. Just mix until combined. Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. Choose pure maple syrup for the best taste. If you want to add more flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste or a splash of orange zest. Both options can brighten up the cookies! For special occasions, present your cookies in a festive tin. You can layer them with parchment paper. For a colorful touch, add whole pecans or mint leaves on top. These little details make your cookies truly shine. Pair your cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or warm tea for a cozy treat. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For a firmer dough that is easier to roll, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping into balls. Use Fresh Pecans: Opt for freshly toasted pecans to enhance the nutty flavor, making your cookies even more delicious. Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden on the bottom but not browned on top. Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture and flavor for up to a week. {{image_2}} If you want to make nut-free cookies, it is easy! You can substitute pecans with sunflower seeds. You can also use pumpkin seeds for a fun twist. These seeds add a nice crunch without the nuts. Just chop them finely like you would with pecans. This way, everyone can enjoy the cookies without worry. Want to mix it up? Try adding chocolate chips! Dark chocolate chips will give a sweet twist. Milk chocolate chips also work well for a richer taste. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture. If you want to play with nuts, try walnuts or almonds. Each nut gives a different flavor, making your cookies unique. You can create themed cookies for any holiday! For Christmas, add red and green sprinkles on top. For Thanksgiving, use pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon. These small changes make a big difference. You can also use festive shapes, like stars or hearts, for the cookie dough. Adapting the recipe for different seasons keeps it fun and fresh. To keep your maple pecan snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep the cookies at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. This will help maintain their soft texture and flavor. Ideally, store them at a cool room temperature. Avoid placing them in the fridge, as cold air can dry them out. You can freeze these cookies for later enjoyment. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. This method prevents the cookies from sticking together. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their warmth. These cookies can last about one week at room temperature. Check them for signs of spoilage, such as a dry texture or off smell. If they start to taste stale, it's best to toss them. Proper storage can extend their freshness, so be mindful of how you keep them. Enjoy your cookies while they are at their best! What is the best way to roll the cookie dough? To roll the cookie dough, use your hands. Scoop a tablespoon of dough. Roll it into a ball about one inch wide. Keep your hands slightly damp to avoid stickiness. This method helps shape the cookies smoothly. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to bake, scoop and roll the dough into balls. How can I tell when the cookies are done baking? Check the bottoms of the cookies. They should be lightly golden. The tops may look pale, which is normal. If they are firm to the touch, they are likely done. Can I substitute other syrups for maple syrup? You can use other syrups, like agave or corn syrup. However, these will change the flavor. Maple syrup gives a unique sweetness and richness. What kind of flour works best for these cookies? All-purpose flour works best for these cookies. It gives the right balance of texture and flavor. Avoid using whole wheat flour, as it can make the cookies dense. What to do if the dough is too crumbly? If the dough is crumbly, add a bit of maple syrup or softened butter. Mix until the dough holds together. Be careful not to add too much liquid at once. Can I make these cookies in different shapes? Yes, you can shape the cookies as you like. Try flattening them slightly for a different look. You could also use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Just adjust the baking time if needed. These Maple Pecan Snowball Cookies are easy to make and delicious. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and useful tips to perfect your batch. You can even explore variations to suit your taste. Don't forget how to store and freeze them for later enjoyment. Baking is fun and rewarding. Experiment to make these cookies your own. You’ll impress friends and family with every bite! Enjoy this tasty treat at any gathering or just for yourself.

Maple Pecan Snowball Cookies

Deliciously sweet and nutty cookies that resemble snowballs, perfect for festive occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the mixture, and blend well.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
  • Fold in the finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
  • Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cool, dust the cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving for that snowball effect!

Notes

Arrange the cookies in a festive tin or plate, and consider garnishing with a few whole pecans or delicate mint leaves for a colorful touch.
Keyword cookies, dessert, holiday