Go Back
–+ servings
Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed Pasta Shells

These tender pecan snowball cookies are a classic holiday treat made with butter, toasted nuts, and powdered sugar. Easy one-bowl recipe.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 51 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 101
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
  • Wire cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour and finely chopped pecans, mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
  5. Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball, placing each on the prepared baking sheet with 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for the bottoms to be lightly golden.
  7. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for exactly 5 minutes, then roll or shake them in the remaining cup of powdered sugar.
  8. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely, giving them a second roll in powdered sugar for a snowy look.

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 6gVitamin A: 108IUCalcium: 4mg

Notes

For an extra nutty flavor, toast the pecans before chopping. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. You can substitute walnuts or hazelnuts for pecans, and use gluten-free flour or vegan butter as needed. Be sure to roll cookies in powdered sugar twice for a beautiful snowy appearance!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!