Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pecan Cookie Balls are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves nuts in their desserts. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and the perfect balance of buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans, these treats are great for snacking, gifting, or serving at any event. They’re easy to make, require just a few simple ingredients, and the best part is that you don’t even need to roll out dough or cut shapes! Plus, the powdered sugar coating gives them an extra touch of sweetness that makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts, if preferred)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Make the dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a hand whisk until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

• Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

• Gradually add the flour, salt, and finely chopped pecans to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky, but firm enough to roll into balls.

3. Form the cookie balls:

• Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You can use a tablespoon or your hands to shape the dough. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

4. Bake the cookies:

• Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on the bottom. Be careful not to overbake them, as they should stay soft and delicate.

5. Cool and coat with powdered sugar:

• Let the cookie balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Once the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar until they are fully coated. For an extra touch, you can sift a little powdered sugar over the top for a beautiful finish.

6. Serve and enjoy:

• These Pecan Cookie Balls are ready to serve! Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack any time of day.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 20-25 cookie balls (depending on size)

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookie balls for a beautiful and delicious finish.

• Coconut Pecan Balls: Mix in shredded coconut with the pecans for a tropical twist.

• Holiday Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Pecan Cookie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft and fresh for several days.

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Once the cookies have cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! While pecans are the classic choice, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or any other nut you like. Just be sure to chop the nuts finely for the best texture.

Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?

While the powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature appearance and sweetness, you can skip it if you prefer. The cookies will still be delicious and slightly less sweet.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Pecan Cookie Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for several days, or you can freeze them for later.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough, roll it into balls, and freeze them before baking. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Pecan Cookie Balls are the perfect combination of buttery sweetness, crunchy nuts, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, holiday, or just to enjoy as a treat, these cookies are simple to make and incredibly satisfying. With their delicate, sweet flavor and delightful texture, these little bites of heaven are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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