Pecan Snowflake Cookies Recipe

There’s just something magical about baking on a cold winter day, right? These Pecan Snowflake Cookies always make my kitchen smell like the holidays. They’re soft, buttery, and full of nutty flavor that melts in your mouth.

I remember the first time I made them—it felt like catching snowflakes on my tongue. The toasted pecans give every bite a cozy crunch, and that dusting of powdered sugar looks like fresh snow. They’re simple, but they feel so special.

What I love most is how these cookies bring everyone together. They’re perfect for gift boxes, cookie swaps, or a quiet moment with tea by the window. It’s the kind of recipe that just feels like home.

So, grab your pecans, warm up the oven, and let’s bake a batch. Trust me, once you taste these Pecan Snowflake Cookies, they’ll become a winter tradition in your home too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Perfect: The snowflake shape and powdered sugar dusting make these cookies an ideal festive treat for the holidays.
• Pecan Lovers Dream: If you’re a fan of nuts, these cookies are packed with finely chopped pecans, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
• Delicate and Buttery: The soft, buttery texture melts in your mouth, making them feel like a gourmet treat.
• Easily Customizable: You can shape these cookies in any form you like – hearts, stars, or any festive shape. You can also vary the size depending on your preferences.
• Great for Gifting: Wrapped in a beautiful box or tin, these cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will love.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make these delicious Pecan Snowflake Cookies, you’ll need a few kitchen tools that will help you mix, shape, and bake them to perfection:

• Electric Mixer: A hand mixer or stand mixer will help you achieve a smooth, consistent dough without any lumps.
• Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious bowl to mix the ingredients together.
• Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
• Snowflake-Shaped Cookie Cutters: To achieve the lovely snowflake shape, you’ll need a cookie cutter or two. If you don’t have one, you can use any shape you prefer.
• Wire Rack: A wire rack is essential for cooling your cookies evenly, helping them set properly without becoming soggy.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need two or more baking sheets for the best baking results.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cookies (precise measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cookie dough, creating a light and fluffy texture.
• Unsalted Butter: For richness and a smooth texture. Be sure to use softened butter, not melted.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Light Brown Sugar: The brown sugar gives the cookies a deeper, more complex sweetness and slight caramel flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and richness to your cookies.
• Almond Extract: A subtle hint of almond enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors.
• Pecans: Finely chopped pecans add the nutty flavor and texture that makes these cookies so special.
• Powdered Sugar: For dusting the finished cookies, giving them that snowflake effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Pecan Snowflake Cookies is a simple process, but the result is nothing short of spectacular. Follow these easy steps to achieve perfectly shaped, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugars: Using your electric mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes, and it’s a key step in creating the soft, tender texture of your cookies.

Add the Extracts and Salt: Once the butter and sugars are thoroughly combined, add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt to the bowl. Beat until everything is well incorporated.

Add the Flour: Next, slowly add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, a little bit at a time. Mix on low speed to avoid a flour cloud. Continue until all the flour is added and the dough starts to form.

Fold in the Pecans: Finally, fold in the finely chopped pecans. The nuts will give the cookies a nice crunch and a warm, nutty flavor. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

2. Chill the Dough

Once your dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes.

3. Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has chilled, remove one portion from the refrigerator. Place it on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out to about 1/4 inch thickness. If you don’t want the dough to stick, you can place a piece of parchment paper on top while rolling.

If you’re using snowflake-shaped cookie cutters, now’s the time to press them into the dough. You can use any other shape you prefer if you don’t have snowflake cutters. Just make sure to press down firmly to get a nice, clean cut.

4. Bake the Cookies

Preheat Your Oven: While you’re rolling out the dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before you bake your cookies to ensure they cook evenly.

Place on Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Carefully place your cookie shapes on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small amount of space between each cookie.

Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. The center of the cookies should be soft but set.

Cool the Cookies: Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Dust with Powdered Sugar

Once your cookies have cooled, use a sifter or fine mesh strainer to dust a light layer of powdered sugar over them. This will give them that beautiful snowflake look and make them extra festive. If you want to take it to the next level, you could even add some edible glitter or sprinkles for a sparkly touch.

How to Serve Pecan Snowflake Cookies

Pecan Snowflake Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Here’s how you can serve them:

• With Hot Beverages: These cookies are the perfect companion to a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Serve them alongside your favorite holiday drinks for a cozy treat.
• As Party Favors: Pack them in cute gift boxes or tins to give as party favors or homemade gifts.
• On a Cookie Platter: These cookies look stunning when arranged on a platter with other holiday cookies, creating a festive spread for your next get-together.

Variations for Pecan Snowflake Cookies

If you want to get creative or customize the recipe to your liking, here are a few fun variations you can try:

• Add Chocolate: Try mixing in chocolate chips or drizzling the cookies with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Use Walnuts: If you prefer walnuts over pecans, feel free to substitute them in this recipe. The flavor will change slightly but still offer that nutty goodness.
• Add Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Shape Them Differently: You can use any cookie cutter you have on hand. Stars, hearts, or even simple circles work just as well. It’s all about your personal touch!

Storing Pecan Snowflake Cookies

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week, so they’ll last long enough for you to enjoy them throughout the holiday season or share them with others. If you plan on keeping them for a longer period, you can freeze them:

• Freezing the Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and store it in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information (per cookie)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	2g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	6g

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Conclusion

Pecan Snowflake Cookies are a beautiful, easy-to-make treat that will brighten any occasion, especially the winter months and holiday season. Their buttery texture, nutty crunch, and festive shape make them stand out as a crowd favorite. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your flavor preferences. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie platter, gifting them to a loved one, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies will surely bring joy to your table.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share them with your friends and family – they’ll love them!