If you adore the rich, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie but want a fun, bite-sized spin, this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe is exactly what you need. These little delights pack all the buttery, sweet, and crunchy goodness into perfectly portioned balls that are as charming as they are delicious. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging in a cozy treat, these pecan pie balls bring festive warmth and irresistible texture with every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe showcases just a handful of simple yet crucial ingredients that come together to create those melt-in-your-mouth Pecan Pie Balls. Each element plays its part: butter for richness, sugar to sweeten, pecans to add crunch and depth, and flour to bring it all together with the perfect texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, luxurious base and keeps the cookies tender.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the ideal touch of sweetness and helps with the tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Boosts all the flavors with its warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and holds everything together perfectly.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans: Infuses rich, nutty flavor and irresistible crunch throughout.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the pecan essence beautifully.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling): Adds a sweet, snowy coating that coats each ball in delicate sweetness.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, get that oven heating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This simple prep step is a game changer because it ensures your pecan pie balls bake evenly and won’t stick, making later steps much easier.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with granulated sugar until the texture is light, fluffy, and dreamy. This is where the magic starts — creaming these ingredients traps air, creating a tender bite that you’ll notice in every delicious ball.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Pour in the vanilla extract and give everything a good mix to blend those rich flavors. Then, gradually add your flour and salt, stirring gently until combined. It’s important not to overmix here to keep the texture just right.
Step 4: Fold in the Pecans
Fold in the finely chopped pecans with a gentle hand so every ball gets an inviting crunch without the nuts breaking down too much. These pecans are the star, bringing that signature flavor to life.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough carefully into 1-inch balls and space them about 2 inches apart on your baking sheet. Even spacing helps them bake evenly without sticking into one giant cookie clump.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your tray into the oven for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the bottoms turn a light golden brown — that’s the signal for a buttery, flaky center waiting for you.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once out of the oven, let the pecan pie balls cool for about five minutes on the baking sheet. While they are still warm, roll each one lovingly in powdered sugar until it’s fully coated, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Double Coating Delight
After cooling, give each pecan pie ball a second roll in powdered sugar for that irresistible snowy look and a final layer of sweetness that melts in your mouth.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a bit of flair by sprinkling extra finely chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon on top of the Pecan Pie Balls. You can even drizzle some warm caramel sauce for a decadent touch that will wow your guests or family.
Side Dishes
These balls pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of spiced coffee or tea. Their buttery richness balances perfectly with creamy or warm beverages, elevating any snack or dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these pecan pie balls in mini paper cupcake liners or arrange them on a festive platter sprinkled with cinnamon or edible glitter. Layer them alongside fresh berries or slices of crisp apples for an eye-catching dessert board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pecan pie balls fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, they maintain their delicate texture and flavor for up to a week — perfect for making in advance for upcoming holiday gatherings.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, pecan pie balls freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge.
Reheating
When reheating, allow the pecan pie balls to come to room temperature naturally — warming them gently in your hands or on the counter is best to keep that tender texture and prevent melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can also add delightful crunch and flavor, though pecans give the classic pecan pie balls their signature taste.
Is it necessary to use powdered sugar for coating?
Powdered sugar adds a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish and that charming snowy look; however, you can experiment with cinnamon sugar or leave them plain if preferred.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Sure! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, but choose one that behaves similarly in baking for the best texture.
How long do the pecan pie balls last?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about a week — just the right window to enjoy without worrying.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, these ingredients scale up really well, so double away if you need more for a party or holiday bake-off!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about a rich, nutty treat that’s easy to make and share, and this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe delivers just that. Whether you’re gifting them or savoring solo, these little balls of buttery goodness are guaranteed to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table. Give them a try and watch these charming bites become a fast favorite in your home.
Print
Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pecan Pie Balls are delightful bite-sized cookies with a buttery, crumbly texture and a rich pecan flavor, coated generously in powdered sugar for a festive touch. These easy-to-make treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet nutty snack.
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 the 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.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine the flavors.
- Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans to evenly distribute the nuts throughout the dough.
- Form dough balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden, indicating they are done but still soft inside.
- Initial cooling and coating: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. While the cookies are still warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated to adhere the sugar nicely to the surface.
- Final cooling and extra coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll each cookie in powdered sugar again to create a second, thicker coating for a snowy appearance and extra sweetness.
- 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 extra flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nuttiness.
- If the dough feels too sticky to roll easily, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
- These cookies freeze well; just be sure to wrap them tightly or use an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.
- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar ensures better adhesion and a smoother coating.
