These Pecan Butterballs are a delightful holiday treat inspired by the artful simplicity of Georgia O’Keeffe. They’re buttery, lightly sweetened with honey, and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, creating a “snowy” look that’s ideal for the season. These cookies are simple yet refined, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a warm drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: A touch of honey adds a gentle, unique sweetness.
- Soft and Buttery Texture: The softened butter creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Nostalgic and Classic: Inspired by a timeless recipe with simple ingredients.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies store well and are ideal for holiday sharing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt. This helps create a light, tender texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until everything is fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shape and Arrange
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake the cookies for 40-45 minutes, or until they are set and lightly golden on the bottom.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes, then roll each one in powdered sugar while still warm for a “snowy” finish. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Wire rack for cooling
- Sifter for the powdered sugar
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve these cookies at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. They pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving and give them an extra roll in powdered sugar for a fresh look.
Variations
- Add a Hint of Almond: A small dash of almond extract can add a subtle depth to the flavor.
- Try with Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a unique twist.
- Extra Festive Topping: Dust with a light sprinkle of edible glitter or gold sugar for a festive touch.
Helpful Tips
- Perfect Butter Texture: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. Softened butter will help create a smooth, creamy dough.
- Even Rolling: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized balls.
- Dust Twice for a Snowy Look: If you’d like extra sweetness, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again once they’re completely cooled.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
2. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
They should be lightly golden on the bottom and firm to the touch. Since they’re pale cookies, avoid over-baking by checking them after 40 minutes.
3. Can I use unsalted butter instead?
Yes, just add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
4. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Try substituting vegan butter and a plant-based honey alternative. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious.
5. Do I need to use powdered sugar for rolling?
Powdered sugar creates the perfect texture and look for these cookies. You can also add a dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder for variation.
Georgia O’Keeffe’s Pecan Butterballs are a delightful combination of buttery, nutty flavors with a touch of honey sweetness. Perfect for holiday baking or anytime you crave a tender, nostalgic treat. Enjoy each bite of these timeless cookies!
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Georgia O’Keeffe’s Pecan Butterballs
- Total Time: 1 Hour
- Yield: 24 Cookies 1x
Description
Georgia O’Keeffe’s Pecan Butterballs are a timeless cookie classic with a rich, buttery flavor, a subtle hint of honey, and the delightful crunch of pecans. Rolled in powdered sugar, each cookie has a snowy finish that adds sweetness and charm. The texture is soft and melt-in-your-mouth, with a gentle nutty flavor that makes these butterballs perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and salt.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, mix the softened butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Shape and Arrange: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes, then roll each one in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish.
Notes
- Perfectly Soft Butter: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve a smooth dough consistency.
- Extra Flavor: Try adding a touch of almond extract for an additional layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 – 45 Minutes
