Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies: The Ultimate Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Treat

There are few cookies that evoke the spirit of the holidays quite like the delicate, buttery, and heavily powdered Pecan Snowball Cookies. Known by many names Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Butterballs this classic confection is a staple on every Christmas platter for a very good reason: their tender, shortbread base practically melts away the moment it hits your tongue, leaving behind the rich, nutty crunch of perfectly toasted pecans and a sweet, dusty coating of powdered sugar.

This recipe for Pecan Snowball Cookies offers the ideal balance of flavor and texture. We rely on pure butter for unparalleled richness and incorporate a crucial technique the double roll to achieve that iconic, snow-dusted appearance that gives these cookies their name. Whether you are baking for a festive cookie exchange, preparing a platter for Santa, or simply craving a classic comfort treat, these little spheres of delight are simple to make and impossible to resist. Get ready to turn your kitchen into a winter wonderland of delicious aromas!

We’ve meticulously broken down every step, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the technique of the warm sugar roll, ensuring that your batch of Pecan Snowball Cookies is the best you’ve ever tasted. If you love rich, crumbly textures and the deep, earthy flavor of roasted nuts, this recipe is guaranteed to become a permanent fixture in your holiday baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for These Pecan Snowball Cookies

The culinary landscape is filled with thousands of cookie recipes, but few possess the universal, timeless appeal of Pecan Snowball Cookies. These cookies aren’t merely dessert; they are a tradition, a memory, and a textural marvel. If you’ve ever wondered what makes these buttery orbs so universally adored, the answer lies in their brilliant simplicity and exquisite execution of texture.

The Magic of the “Melt-in-Your-Mouth” Texture

Unlike chewy chocolate chip cookies or crisp gingerbread, the defining characteristic of Pecan Snowball Cookies is their tender, crumbly structure. This texture is achieved through several key factors:

• Pure Shortbread Base: The recipe uses only butter, flour, sugar, and nuts. There are no leavening agents (like baking soda or powder) or eggs (which would add toughness and structure). This lack of leavening ensures the cookies maintain a dense, buttery crumb that collapses instantly upon eating. It’s essentially a very rich shortbread, perfected.
• Creaming Technique: Properly creaming the butter and sugar incorporates just enough air to keep the dough from being overly dense, contributing to that delicate fragility we crave.
• Finely Chopped Pecans: The pecans are not coarsely chopped; they are ideally finely chopped or ground to a coarse meal. This allows the nut pieces to integrate seamlessly into the dough, enhancing the richness without creating large, disruptive chunks that would compromise the melt-away effect. For other great nutty recipes, check out these delicious Crumbl Pecan Pie Cookies!

The Essential Role of the Double Sugar Roll

The iconic look of these cookies is not a happy accident; it’s a calculated, two-stage process that sets them apart from every other powdered sugar cookie. This technique is non-negotiable for achieving true snowball perfection:

1. The Warm Roll: Rolling the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven, while they are still warm, is critical. The residual heat slightly melts the powdered sugar, allowing it to adhere tightly to the buttery surface, essentially creating a thin, sweet crust. This prevents the sugar from just flaking off later.
2. The Cool Roll: Once the cookies are entirely cool, rolling them a second time in fresh, untouched powdered sugar is what gives them their signature thick, snowy white finish. This second layer is purely cosmetic and textural, providing the beautiful “snowball” aesthetic and a final burst of sweetness.

A Flavor Profile Perfect for Pairing

The flavor profile of the Pecan Snowball Cookies is surprisingly complex despite the short ingredient list. You get the deep, browned-butter flavor from the shortbread, the warmth of the vanilla, and most importantly, the earthy, robust taste of the pecans. If you follow our recommendation to toast the pecans beforehand (which we highly encourage!), you intensify their natural oils, giving the finished cookies an irreplaceable, savory depth that prevents the final result from being overly sweet.

These cookies are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with holiday beverages like coffee, hot cocoa, or a glass of eggnog. Their small, uniform size also makes them excellent for gifting and sharing they look fantastic piled high in a decorative tin, and their sturdy nature (once fully cooled and rolled) makes them travel-friendly. They truly epitomize cozy, classic holiday baking.

Why You Should Try This Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe Now

If you have been searching for a reliable, foolproof recipe for buttery, nutty shortbread cookies, your search ends here. This specific formulation of Pecan Snowball Cookies is crafted not only for incredible flavor but also for ease and efficiency, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and complete novices.

Simplicity and Time Efficiency

One of the greatest advantages of making Pecan Snowball Cookies is the simplicity of the dough. It requires minimal mixing time and uses common pantry ingredients. Unlike recipes that demand long chill times or delicate shaping, this dough is very forgiving:

• No Rise Time: Because there are no chemical leavening agents, the dough does not need to rest or rise. Once mixed, it’s ready to roll and bake immediately.
• Quick Baking: The small, 1-inch balls bake quickly usually in under 15 minutes meaning you can produce dozens of cookies in a relatively short period, which is essential when preparing for large holiday gatherings or cookie swaps.
• Minimal Decoration Required: The decoration process is literally just rolling them in a bowl of sugar. No intricate piping, no complex glazes, just pure snowy perfection.

The Essential Technique: Toasting Your Pecans

While the recipe lists toasting the pecans as “optional,” we consider it a crucial step that elevates the entire experience. Raw pecans can sometimes taste slightly flat or even bitter. Toasting them:

• Boosts Flavor: Heat releases the natural oils in the nuts, intensifying their nutty flavor tenfold.
• Improves Texture: It slightly crisps the nuts, ensuring they retain a satisfying crunch within the soft cookie matrix.
• Aromatic Experience: The aroma of toasting pecans is the perfect way to kick off any holiday baking session!

If you skip the toasting step, you will still have delicious cookies, but if you want truly exemplary Pecan Snowball Cookies, dedicate the extra five to seven minutes for this simple yet impactful technique. This attention to detail is what separates a good cookie from a great one.

A Versatile Base for Customization

While these cookies are perfect in their classic form, they also serve as a wonderful blank slate for minor customizations. Do you prefer almonds? Go for it! Craving a citrus twist? Add some zest! We discuss more variations later, but the adaptability of this shortbread base means you can tailor the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs (e.g., swapping flour for gluten-free blends). These cookies offer reliable results every single time, making them a stress-free addition to your baking schedule.

For those who love easy, festive bakes, consider pairing these with a complementary recipe like our Festive Eggnog Bread. The contrasting textures make for a perfect holiday dessert spread.

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for Perfect Pecan Snowball Cookies

Success in baking often boils down to preparation and the quality of your ingredients. While the ingredient list for Pecan Snowball Cookies is short, paying attention to the details of each component is vital for achieving that desirable melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown (The Core of the Shortbread)

Always measure your ingredients precisely. For flour and powdered sugar, it is best to spoon the ingredient into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag (which can compact the ingredient and lead to a dry dough).

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature: Butter is the backbone of this recipe. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level. Crucially, the butter must be softened to room temperature. This means it should give easily when pressed, but not be greasy or melted. Cold butter will result in lumpy dough, and melted butter will ruin the shortbread texture.
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This is the sugar incorporated into the dough itself. Using powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar is essential for the structure. Granulated sugar creates crispness, while the fine cornstarch content in powdered sugar aids in producing the tender, delicate crumb characteristic of snowball cookies.
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract: Use good quality pure vanilla extract, not imitation. Vanilla provides depth and warmth, balancing the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the sugar.
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Even though we are using unsalted butter, a small amount of salt is necessary to enhance the overall flavor profile. It prevents the cookie from tasting bland or overly sweet, highlighting the nuttiness of the pecans.
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour is perfect here. Remember to measure correctly too much flour is the number one cause of dry, tough cookies. You want the flour to be mixed until just combined to avoid developing gluten, which would toughen the shortbread.
• 1 cup Pecans, finely chopped or ground (to a coarse meal): The star ingredient! As mentioned, finely chopped is key. If your pecans are chunky, they will make it hard to roll smooth spheres and interrupt the melt-away texture. Using a food processor to pulse them into a coarse, sandy meal works perfectly.

For Rolling and Coating:

• 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar (for rolling): This amount is necessary for the critical double-roll step. It sounds like a lot, but you need enough volume in the bowl to easily coat the spheres. Ensure your powdered sugar is fresh and lump-free.

Choosing the right ingredients for your Pecan Snowball Cookies ensures the final product is not only beautiful but also boasts that signature buttery flavor we are aiming for. The purity of the butter and the fine texture of the pecans are the two components where quality truly shines.

Recommended Kitchen Tools and Utensils

While this is a straightforward recipe, having the right equipment will make the process much smoother and ensure consistency.

Mixing and Preparation Tools:

• Stand Mixer with Paddle Attachment (or Hand Mixer): While you can mix the dough by hand, a mixer is highly recommended for the creaming stage (mixing the butter and sugar) to achieve a light, airy consistency. The dough becomes quite stiff when the flour is added, making the mixer useful.
• Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of the bowl during mixing and, most importantly, for folding in the delicate pecans by hand at the end.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Shallow Dishes/Bowls: You will need two shallow dishes or plates for the rolling process one for the warm roll and one for the cool roll.
• Food Processor (Optional but Recommended): For quickly grinding the pecans to the perfect coarse meal consistency.

Baking and Cooling Tools:

• Baking Sheets: Two large baking sheets are ideal for efficient baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Highly recommended. These prevent sticking and make cleanup incredibly easy. They also ensure the bottoms of the cookies don’t brown too quickly.
• Small Cookie Scoop (1 tablespoon size): Using a scoop ensures every cookie is uniform in size, which guarantees even baking. Consistency is key to beautifully shaped Pecan Snowball Cookies.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Necessary for cooling the cookies completely between the two rolling stages.

Gathering these tools and ingredients before starting (mise en place) ensures a streamlined baking experience, allowing you to focus purely on the precise techniques required to master these delightful treats.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pecan Snowball Cookies

This recipe relies on precise timing, especially during the final rolling stage. Follow these steps meticulously to achieve the best results for your Pecan Snowball Cookies.

Part 1: Preparation – Setting the Stage for Success

1. Preheat Oven and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven temperature is stable before placing cookies inside. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Proper lining prevents the buttery dough from sticking and ensures consistent heat distribution.
2. Toast Pecans (The Essential Step): Spread the 1 cup of finely chopped pecans in a single layer on a dry, unlined baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Watch them carefully; they transition quickly from toasted and fragrant to burned. They should smell noticeably nutty and be slightly darker in color. Allow the toasted pecans to cool completely before incorporating them into the dough. Adding warm nuts to cold butter will soften the dough significantly, compromising the final texture.

Part 2: Mixing the Dough – The Art of the Shortbread

The key here is efficient, low-speed mixing, especially once the flour is introduced.

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stop frequently to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. The mixture should transform from dense butter to a pale yellow, light, and notably fluffy consistency. This incorporates air crucial for a tender crumb.
2. Add Flavoring: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt on low speed until they are just incorporated.
3. Add Flour Gradually: Measure the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and add it gradually, mixing on the absolute lowest speed. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear and the dough just comes together. Important Tip: Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough, chewy cookies the exact opposite of the desired “melt-in-your-mouth” Pecan Snowball Cookies texture.
4. Fold in Pecans: Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a rubber spatula to gently stir in the cooled, chopped pecans by hand. Ensure they are evenly distributed. The resulting dough will be stiff, dense, and slightly crumbly perfect for rolling.

Part 3: Shaping and Baking – Achieving Uniformity

1. Shape the Cookies: This dough is stiff enough to handle immediately. Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon, or 1/2 oz) or use your hands to roll the dough into small, uniform balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Consistency is vital for even baking. Place the dough balls 1 to 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. They will not spread significantly.
2. Bake: Bake the Pecan Snowball Cookies for 12 to 15 minutes. Start checking at 12 minutes. The cookies are done when they are set and firm to the touch, and the very edges or bottoms are just beginning to show a light golden hue. The top surfaces should remain pale white. Do not overbake, or they will lose their tenderness.
3. Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for just 2 to 3 minutes. They must still be warm for the first sugar roll, but cool enough to handle without crumbling.

Part 4: The Double Powdered Sugar Roll – The Signature Finish

This is the critical step that transforms a simple butter cookie into true Pecan Snowball Cookies.

1. First Roll (While Warm): Pour 1 cup of the reserved powdered sugar into a shallow dish. While the cookies are still warm, gently pick up each cookie and roll it thoroughly in the powdered sugar until it is fully coated. The residual heat will absorb some of the sugar, creating a sticky base layer. Return the coated cookies to the wire cooling rack.
2. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack (about 30 minutes, or until room temperature). If you try the second roll while they are even slightly warm, the sugar will dissolve.
3. Second Roll (When Cool): Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of fresh powdered sugar into the shallow dish (or replenish the dish with fresh sugar). Once the cookies are entirely cool, roll them a second time in this fresh powdered sugar. This ensures the distinct, thick, and bright white “snowball” look. This final dusting is what makes these cookies visually spectacular.
4. Serve and Store: Store your completed Pecan Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep wonderfully for up to one week and actually benefit from a day or two of rest, allowing the flavors to fully meld.

Tips, Troubleshooting, and Delicious Variations

Even though Pecan Snowball Cookies are simple, there are common pitfalls that can affect their signature texture. Here is how to ensure your batch is perfect, along with ideas for mixing things up!

Tips for Troubleshooting Common Snowball Cookie Issues

My cookies are crumbling when I roll them!

This usually happens if they were overbaked or if the dough was too dry (too much flour). Ensure you stop baking as soon as the edges are lightly golden, and make sure your ingredients were measured correctly. Also, be patient during the first roll; handle the warm cookies very gently, using a small offset spatula to move them if necessary.

My cookies flattened/spread too much.

The dough spreading is usually caused by using butter that was too warm or melted, or if the initial creaming step was done for too long, incorporating too much air. Ensure your butter is only softened (not melted) and try briefly chilling the rolled dough balls (15-20 minutes) before baking if your kitchen is particularly warm.

The powdered sugar isn’t sticking.

This happens if you wait too long after baking for the first roll. The butter must be warm enough to slightly melt the sugar. If you accidentally let them cool completely after baking, you can place the tray back in the oven for 1-2 minutes to gently warm them up again before attempting the first roll.

Delicious Variations on Pecan Snowball Cookies

The beauty of the snowball cookie base is its adaptability. Once you master the classic Pecan Snowball Cookies, feel free to experiment with these fun variations:

• Nut Swaps:
  • Mexican Wedding Cookies: Use finely ground walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Walnuts offer a slightly sharper flavor, while almonds are milder and sweeter.
  • Pistachio Snowballs: Use finely ground pistachios (toasted for best flavor). This adds a beautiful subtle green hue and a distinct earthy taste.
• Citrus Zest Boost: Add the zest of one lemon or one orange during the creaming stage. The brightness of the citrus cuts through the richness of the butter, creating a wonderfully refreshing profile.
• Spice Variations:
  • Cinnamon Snowballs: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a subtle warmth.
  • Cardamom Spiced: For a unique flavor, incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom with the flour. This is particularly good when using almonds or pistachios.
• Chocolate Snowballs: Replace 1/4 cup of the flour with 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. This creates a rich, dark base that contrasts beautifully with the white powdered sugar coating.

Dietary Alternatives (Gluten-Free and Vegan)

The short ingredient list makes these Pecan Snowball Cookies surprisingly easy to adapt for various dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies: Swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality, 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The structure of these cookies relies less on gluten development, so they often translate well. However, you may need to add a teaspoon or two of milk if the dough appears too dry or crumbly.
• Vegan Snowball Cookies: Replace the dairy butter with a solid, high-fat vegan butter substitute (like Miyoko’s Kitchen or Earth Balance sticks). Avoid using margarine in tubs, as the higher water content can affect the shortbread texture. Ensure the pecans are mixed in thoroughly, and follow the baking and rolling steps as written.

For more great cookie inspiration, especially during the holidays, take a look at our recipe for Marzipan Cookies another great melt-away classic!

Nutritional Insights and Ingredient Benefits

When indulging in a classic holiday treat like Pecan Snowball Cookies, it’s comforting to know that some of the ingredients contribute more than just flavor. While these are fundamentally a rich shortbread cookie, the high inclusion of pecans offers measurable health benefits.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Cookie)

Since these cookies are small and rich, the following estimates are based on a 1-inch diameter cookie (about 1 tablespoon of dough), excluding the powdered sugar coating, which adds about 10-15 calories and 2-3g carbohydrates per cookie.

These cookies are calorie-dense due to the high butter and nut content, emphasizing the need for portion control. However, they are generally low in sugar compared to many other drop cookies, as the primary source of sugar is the coating, not the dough itself.

The Health Benefits of Pecans

Pecans are the defining ingredient in Pecan Snowball Cookies and provide a significant nutritional boost:

• Healthy Fats: Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats (oleic acid), the same heart-healthy fats found in olive oil and avocados. These fats are linked to lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.
• Antioxidant Power: Pecans rank highly among nuts for antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress in the body.
• Vitamins and Minerals: They are an excellent source of manganese and copper, which support metabolic function and immune health. Pecans also provide zinc and Vitamin E.
• Fiber: Nuts provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. The inclusion of the nuts helps slow down the digestion of the refined carbohydrates in the flour and sugar.

The Importance of Real Butter

While often maligned, butter used in moderation is crucial for flavor and texture. High-quality butter provides necessary fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). More importantly, the use of 100% butter is what gives Pecan Snowball Cookies their superior taste and structure. Vegetable shortenings or margarine simply cannot replicate the flavor depth and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness achieved by butter.

When balancing enjoyment with health, these cookies offer a holiday indulgence that, thanks to the pecans, comes packed with beneficial fats and micronutrients. Enjoy them mindfully, savoring every delicate, buttery bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pecan Snowball Cookies

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies

The experience of baking and sharing Pecan Snowball Cookies is truly one of the greatest pleasures of the holiday season. From the moment the buttery scent fills your kitchen to the absolute bliss of that first melt-in-your-mouth bite, these cookies are pure, comforting perfection. We have covered the critical steps: ensuring your butter is perfectly softened, avoiding the mistake of overmixing the flour, and, most importantly, mastering the double powdered sugar roll technique that gives these treats their distinctive, snowy appearance.

Remember that the secrets to the ultimate snowball cookies lie in simplicity and quality. Use good butter, toast those pecans, and be precise with your measurements. This shortbread dough is forgiving, delicious, and provides a reliable base for creating beautiful, uniform spheres that look just as good as they taste.

Whether you call them Russian Tea Cakes, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or our favorite, Pecan Snowball Cookies, they represent a timeless baking tradition worth preserving. We hope you incorporate this recipe into your annual baking schedule and share the resulting deliciousness with friends and family. Happy baking!

If you loved this recipe and want more holiday baking inspiration, be sure to follow our boards on Pinterest for daily recipe ideas: Find more holiday baking inspiration on Pinterest!

Classic Pecan Snowball Cookies

A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookie rich with toasted pecans and heavily dusted with two generous coats of powdered sugar for the perfect festive treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 36 cookies

Course: Cookie, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecans finely chopped or ground (to a coarse meal)

For Rolling and Coating

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar divided for double coating

Equipment

• Stand Mixer
• Large Baking Sheets
• Wire Cooling Rack

Method

 

Part 1: Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Toast Pecans (Optional but Recommended): Spread the chopped pecans on a dry baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before using them in the dough.

Part 2: Mixing the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened butter and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Add Flavoring: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
3. Add Flour and Pecans: Gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Once the dough forms, stir in the cooled chopped pecans by hand until they are evenly distributed. The dough will be stiff and slightly crumbly.

Part 3: Shaping and Baking

1. Shape the Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon) or simply roll the dough into small, uniform balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place the dough balls 1 to 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
2. Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies should still look pale white on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for just 2 to 3 minutes.

Part 4: The Double Powdered Sugar Roll

1. First Roll (While Warm): Pour 1 cup of the reserved powdered sugar into a shallow dish. While the cookies are still warm (but cool enough to handle), gently roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated. Return the coated cookies to a wire cooling rack.
2. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack (about 30 minutes).
3. Second Roll (When Cool): Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of fresh powdered sugar into the shallow dish. Once the cookies are entirely cool, roll them a second time in the fresh powdered sugar. This ensures the distinct, thick “snowball” look and prevents the sugar from absorbing moisture.
4. Serve and Store: Pecan Snowball Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

For the best texture and flavor, ensure the butter is truly softened but not melted. If you are baking in high humidity, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of flour. For a different flavor profile, substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans.