If you love the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie but want a fun, bite-sized twist, this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe will absolutely delight you. These tender, pecan-studded cookie balls roll in a sweet-coated powdered sugar crust, capturing all the warm, nutty goodness of pecan pie in a handheld treat. They are irresistibly crumbly yet melt-in-your-mouth perfect, making them a fantastic dessert for holidays, parties, or simply an everyday indulgence. Once you try this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe, you might find yourself reaching for them more often than you expect!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s enriching the dough, adding crunch, or bringing that final sweet touch.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened butter adds richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the buttery flavor without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Gives a warm, aromatic depth to the cookie base.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the structure necessary to hold the dough together.
- Finely chopped pecans (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds crunch and nutty flavor with every bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and amplify flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Used for rolling the cookies, giving them that delicate, snowy coating and extra sweetness.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
First things first, get your oven warmed to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment the cookies go in. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so the cookies don’t stick and come off effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and inviting. This step is key because it incorporates air that gives your Pecan Pie Balls a lovely, tender texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse sweet warmth into the dough. Gradually add the flour and salt to avoid over-mixing, which can toughen the cookies. Finally, fold in the finely chopped pecans gently so every ball will have nutty bites scattered throughout.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, making sure they’re even in size for uniform baking. Space them out about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheet; they won’t spread much, but this keeps them from sticking together.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your Pecan Pie Balls for 15-18 minutes. You want the bottoms to turn a light golden color – that’s your cue that the cookies are baked just right, with a crisp edge and soft center.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar While Warm
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, coating them fully. This adds a delicate sweetness and an irresistible snowy look.
Step 7: Cool and Double Coat
Transfer the sugar-coated cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. After they have cooled down, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for that signature crackly, sweet exterior that makes these Pecan Pie Balls so special.
Step 8: Store Properly
Once cooled and coated, store your Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar coating is a classic, you can get creative. Consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate for added flair. Chopped toasted pecans on top add an attractive crunch and enhance the nutty aroma.
Side Dishes
Pecan Pie Balls pair wonderfully with warm drinks like coffee, hot chocolate, or a spiced chai latte. Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their buttery richness and balance their sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these delightful balls in a festive bowl or stack them on a tiered dessert tray for a holiday gathering. You can also wrap individual Pecan Pie Balls in parchment paper tied with twine for charming edible gift favors that will impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally away from heat or direct sunlight. They’ll maintain their tender texture and sweet coating for up to one week, making them a convenient treat whenever cravings hit.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the uncoated dough balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Freeze baked cookies already coated in powdered sugar using airtight containers with parchment paper between layers for best results.
Reheating
To refresh frozen baked Pecan Pie Balls, allow them to thaw at room temperature. For a warm, just-baked feeling, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them excessively soft or greasy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is essential for the rich, flaky texture and buttery flavor in this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe. Margarine or oil will alter the texture and taste significantly, so it’s best to stick to unsalted butter for the best results.
What if I don’t have parchment paper or silicone mats?
You can lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or non-stick spray, but parchment or silicone mats help prevent sticking and ensure even baking, so I highly recommend using them if possible.
How do I know when my Pecan Pie Balls are done baking?
Look for a light golden color on the bottom edges; the tops won’t brown much. The cookies should feel set but still tender to the touch.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work nicely as alternatives, but pecans provide that classic flavor and texture that make this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe so special.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, these Pecan Pie Balls remain fresh and delicious for about one week at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Balls Recipe is a true gem that brings the cozy, indulgent flavors of pecan pie into a charming little bite. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, holiday gifts, or just because, these sweet treats never fail to wow and comfort. Give this recipe a try and enjoy sharing these melt-in-your-mouth delights with your loved ones – I promise they’ll be asking for more!
Print
Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pecan Pie Balls are delightful, bite-sized cookies that combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a sweet vanilla-infused dough. These cookies are rolled in powdered sugar twice for an extra sweet and delicate coating, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the 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
For 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.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, then add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Add Flour and Pecans: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Carefully fold in the finely chopped pecans to ensure an even distribution.
- Form Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Initial Cooling and Coating: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated to achieve a sweet outer layer.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Transfer the powdered sugar-coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a second, more pronounced coating.
- Storage: Store the pecan pie balls in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to one week.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Chopping pecans finely helps distribute flavor more evenly throughout the dough.
- Double rolling in powdered sugar creates the classic sweet, powdery exterior.
- Cookies can be stored at room temperature; avoid refrigeration as it may harden the texture.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and substitute with finely chopped seeds or extra flour as needed.
