If you have a soft spot for cozy, nutty treats that melt in your mouth, then you are absolutely going to adore this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe. These delightful little bites pack the warm, buttery essence of a classic pecan pie into perfectly round, powdered-sugar-coated cookies that are as fun to make as they are to eat. Imagine the crunch of finely chopped pecans, the subtle sweetness from vanilla, and that snowy coating of powdered sugar creating a snack that’s irresistible with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just treating yourself, these Pecan Pie Balls will quickly become a new favorite to share and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pecan Pie Balls Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful cookie with a satisfying texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the softness of the butter to the nutty crunch of pecans, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and buttery goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened to bring a creamy richness and tender crumb to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the buttery flavor.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with a warm, aromatic touch that lifts every ingredient.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation that gives the cookies structure and a delicate bite.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 cup): The star of the show, providing a satisfying crunch and a deep nutty flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For rolling, it creates a beautiful, snowy coating that adds a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready to bake your Pecan Pie Balls to golden perfection. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze and keeping your cookies intact.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender and delicate crumb. Once creamy, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse that sweet aromatic flavor that makes all the difference.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients and Pecans
Gradually add the flour and salt to your wet mixture, stirring gently to combine without overworking the dough. Then fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing that delightful crunch evenly throughout the dough. The pecans bring texture and a rich earthiness, mimicking the essence of traditional pecan pie filling in cookie form.
Step 4: Shape the Dough into Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, aiming for uniform sizes so they bake evenly. Arrange them on the lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart to give each cookie room to spread slightly without merging together. This attention to spacing helps create beautifully rounded Pecan Pie Balls.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your dough balls in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the bottoms turn a lovely light golden shade. This slight browning indicates the cookies are perfectly baked—crisp on the outside while remaining buttery and tender inside.
Step 6: First Roll in Powdered Sugar
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar so the coating clings beautifully. This first roll locks in moisture and helps create that trademark snowy look.
Step 7: Cool Completely and Second Sugar Coat
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool fully. Once cooled, roll the Pecan Pie Balls again in powdered sugar for a second, thicker coating. This double coating ensures each bite starts with a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth exterior that perfectly complements the nutty cookie inside.
Step 8: Store Properly
Once completely cool, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy these treats over several days or share them with loved ones without worry.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While the classic powdered sugar coating is delightful on its own, sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a light drizzle of caramel sauce can add a lovely twist. You might also try garnishing with a few whole pecan halves for a pretty presentation and a crunchy accent that invites curiosity and compliments the nutty flavors.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Balls pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of coffee, a rich hot chocolate, or even a creamy vanilla chai latte. For a festive spread, consider serving them alongside bowls of mixed nuts, dried fruit, or fresh apple slices—each enhances the autumnal vibe and makes your snack selection feel thoughtfully curated.
Creative Ways to Present
These charming cookies shine beautifully when arranged in a pyramid on a decorative platter or nestled inside a gift box tied with a seasonal ribbon. You can also thread them onto wooden skewers for an amusing “cookie pops” display that’s perfect for parties and easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply store your Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to their buttery base and protective sugar coating, they will stay fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making them a convenient snack to enjoy anytime.
Freezing
To keep your Pecan Pie Balls fresh even longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When stored this way, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to 3 months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Pecan Pie Balls, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer a warm treat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to gently warm through without melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans give this recipe its signature flavor, walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can work beautifully. Just be sure to finely chop them to keep the texture consistent.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for rolling?
Powdered sugar is important for that classic coating and light sweetness. If you don’t have it, you might try a mixture of granulated sugar and cornstarch, but the texture won’t be quite the same—powdered sugar is the best choice here.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly depending on the blend used.
How long do Pecan Pie Balls last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh and delicious for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Can I double the recipe for larger batches?
You sure can! This recipe scales up well. Just keep an eye on your baking time and oven space to ensure even cooking when baking larger batches.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way Pecan Pie Balls bring a classic dessert’s heart into a delightful, bite-sized cookie. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe will feel like a little gift you can share with friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love how simple ingredients and a little love come together in these heavenly treats!
Print
Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pecan Pie Balls are delightful bite-sized cookies featuring a rich buttery dough packed with finely chopped pecans. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats are coated twice in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish, perfect for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which creates a tender texture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to incorporate flavor evenly.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans for a nutty crunch.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked through without overcooking.
- Initial Cooling & Coating: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet so they firm up a bit but remain warm. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly.
- Final Cooling & Second Coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar to create a double-layered sweet coating that enhances flavor and appearance.
- Storage: Store the Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use unsalted butter and soften it to room temperature before mixing.
- Ensure pecans are finely chopped to distribute evenly without large nut chunks.
- You can substitute some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, but it may alter texture slightly.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates a beautiful, snow-like appearance and adds extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in a cool, dry place and avoid the refrigerator, as this can make them dry.
- These cookies pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
