If you love the rich, nutty, and buttery flavors of classic pecan pie but want something a little easier to snack on, the Pecan Pie Balls Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. These bite-sized treats capture all the essence of a traditional pecan pie in a charming, chewy cookie form that’s perfect for sharing, gifting, or keeping all to yourself. Imagine buttery dough, crunchy pecans, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar coming together in every scrumptious little ball – it’s like pecan pie made portable and endlessly more fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe is super straightforward because the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and each plays a crucial role in building that rich, comforting flavor and perfect texture. You’ll want to have everything ready before you mix, to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
- Unsalted butter, 1 cup, softened: Produces a tender, buttery base that melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds just a touch of sweetness and helps with fluffiness in the dough.
- Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Gives a warm, fragrant depth to every bite.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The structural backbone that holds everything together.
- Finely chopped pecans, 1 cup: The star ingredient providing crunch and that unmistakable pecan flavor.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Powdered sugar, 1 cup (for rolling): Coats the cookies with a sweet, snowy finish that adds a melt-in-your-mouth touch.
How to Make Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is just right to bake these delicate balls so they come out perfectly golden on the bottom without losing their tender crumb. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, creating a wonderfully tender texture. Once combined, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its warm, aromatic character.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients and Pecans
Next, gradually add your all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can make the balls tough, so be gentle! Then fold in the finely chopped pecans — these add not only crunch but their signature rich, nutty taste that makes this recipe truly shine.
Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls
Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls, aiming for uniform sizes so they bake evenly. Space them about 2 inches apart on your prepared sheet to give them room to spread slightly without sticking to each other.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the oven and bake for around 15 to 18 minutes. You’re looking for lightly golden bottoms — that’s a sign they are perfectly baked with a slight crisp outside and tender inside, capturing that delightful pecan pie essence.
Step 6: First Powdered Sugar Coating
When the pecan pie balls come out of the oven, let them cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm (but not too hot), roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to get that pretty, sugary shell that adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Step 7: Cool and Coat Again
Transfer the balls to a wire rack to cool completely, then roll each once more in powdered sugar. This double coating step ensures they have a lovely snowy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth softness with every bite.
Step 8: Store and Enjoy
Once cooled, store your pecan pie balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for sharing or snacking throughout the week.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Garnishes
These pecan pie balls look and taste incredible on their own, but you can jazz them up with a few simple garnishes. Try a light drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added warmth. A little crushed pecan on top adds visual interest and an extra crunch without overpowering the delicate sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pecan pie balls pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or a rich hot chocolate. They also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience that’s hard to forget. For a festive touch, try them alongside mulled wine or spiced cider during holiday gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, consider serving these in mini cupcake liners or on a pretty platter arranged with fresh fruit like sliced pears or figs. Tying a rustic ribbon around a stack makes for a sweet edible gift. You can also add edible flowers or powdered sugar snow for an elegant holiday dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pecan pie balls in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat. This preserves their soft yet slightly crumbly texture while keeping the powdered sugar coating intact. They should be enjoyed within a week for the best flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these Pecan Pie Balls Recipe treats ahead of time for later, freezing works wonderfully. Place the fully cooled balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their charm.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen pecan pie balls, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want a warm treat, pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to gently warm through, being careful not to melt the powdered sugar coating too much.
FAQs
Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw?
Absolutely! Using roasted pecans will bring a deeper, nuttier flavor to your pecan pie balls. Just be sure they’re finely chopped so they mix evenly into the dough.
Are these gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind texture may vary slightly.
How long do pecan pie balls stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to one week. Beyond that, they might begin to lose their tender texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. Just bring it back to room temperature slightly for easier rolling.
What if I don’t have powdered sugar for coating?
Powdered sugar is key to their classic sweet, delicate finish; however, you can substitute with finely granulated sugar or a cinnamon sugar mix, though the texture and appearance will be different.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and utterly comforting, you really must give this Pecan Pie Balls Recipe a try. They’re simple to make, endlessly delicious, and the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of pecan pie without the fuss. Whether as a hostess gift, a cozy treat with your afternoon coffee, or a festive dessert, these little balls of joy will surely win over everyone who tastes them!
Print
Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 pecan pie balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pecan Pie Balls are delightful bite-sized cookies with a buttery crust and crunchy pecans, rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. They offer a perfect balance of nutty flavor and sweetness, ideal for holiday treats or any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, then add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine all wet ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Form Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow even baking and expansion.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through but still tender.
- Initial Cooling and Coating: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated to start the sweet outer layer.
- Final Cooling and Coating: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a double coating that enhances sweetness and appearance.
- Storage: Store the pecan pie balls in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh and flavorful for up to one week, making them perfect for make-ahead treats.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better texture.
- Ensure pecans are finely chopped for an even texture in the cookies.
- If you prefer a crispier cookie, bake an extra 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rolling twice in powdered sugar adds a traditional snowy look and extra sweetness.
- These cookies freeze well; store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
