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.
