Easy Pecan Pie Balls Recipe – Perfect Bite-Sized Holiday Treats

If you’ve ever had pecan pie and thought, “Wouldn’t this be great in a bite-sized form?”, you’re in for a treat! Pecan Pie Balls combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie with the ease and portability of a cookie. These melt-in-your-mouth delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying a sweet treat at home. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to make!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these delectable goodies and give you tips to ensure your pecan pie balls turn out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also packed with that classic pecan pie flavor. The soft dough, the crunchy pecans, and the sweet powdered sugar coating create a perfect balance of textures. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Quick to make: With only a few ingredients, you can have these ready in no time.
• Perfect for sharing: These bite-sized treats are great for parties or gifting.
• Customizable: Add different spices or drizzle with chocolate to make it your own!

Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Balls

Before we get into the step-by-step directions, here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need. These ingredients are pantry staples, making this an easy recipe to whip up at any time.

• 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
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions

• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you only have salted butter, omit the added salt.
• Pecans: Finely chopped pecans are the star of this recipe, adding a nutty, rich flavor. You can substitute walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookies. For a twist, you can use almond extract.
• Powdered sugar: Used for coating the cookies, this adds sweetness and a beautiful, delicate finish.

Step-by-Step Directions for Pecan Pie Balls

Follow these simple instructions to whip up the perfect batch of Pecan Pie Balls.

1. Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures the texture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tougher cookies.

4. Fold in the Pecans

Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans provide that irresistible nutty flavor and crunch in every bite.

5. Roll the Dough into Balls

Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball to allow for slight spreading during baking.

6. Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as overbaking can dry them out.

7. Roll in Powdered Sugar

After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. For a sweeter touch, roll them in powdered sugar again once they’ve cooled.

8. Store and Serve

Once completely cooled, transfer the cookies to an airtight container. These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.

Notes and Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Balls

• Chill the dough: If the dough seems too soft to handle, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes before rolling into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
• Double-coating in powdered sugar: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives them an extra sweet coating that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Experiment with flavors: For a fun twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. This brings a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Pecan Pie Balls

While these Pecan Pie Balls are a sweet indulgence, they also contain some nutrients thanks to the pecans. Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins like vitamin E and magnesium.

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1 ball):

Nutrition Details

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 150 IU
• Calcium: 8mg
• Iron: 0.5mg

FAQs about Pecan Pie Balls

These Pecan Pie Balls are a deliciously easy treat that brings all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie into a portable, bite-sized form. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making them for a special event or just a snack to enjoy at home, these cookies are bound to impress!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and enjoy these delightful pecan pie balls today!

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