Pecan Cookie Balls

Ah, pecan cookies—who doesn’t love a little sweet treat with a nutty twist? These Pecan Cookie Balls are the perfect balance of buttery, nutty goodness, and they’re so easy to make! Picture a melt-in-your-mouth texture, with just the right amount of crunch from the pecans and a sugary dusting on top. It’s like a little bite of holiday magic (even if it’s not the holidays!). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookie balls will be a hit. They’re soft, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Get ready for the compliments!

Why You’ll Love Pecan Cookie Balls

These little bites are seriously something special, and here’s why:

Simple and Quick: You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull these off. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have these cookie balls ready in no time.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, sending a gift to a friend, or simply wanting a treat for yourself, these cookie balls work for everything.

Great for Gifting: They’re small, cute, and easy to package up, making them a perfect edible gift idea. Add a ribbon, and you’ve got yourself a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Buttery Goodness: The buttery flavor of these cookie balls is to die for. Plus, with that toasty, roasted pecan crunch, it’s a flavor combo you’ll crave again and again.

No Fancy Equipment: You don’t need a mixer or fancy tools for this recipe. All you need is your hands (and a little love).

Ingredients

These simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious:

Butter: The base of the cookie ball’s rich and melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can’t go wrong with good, creamy butter.

Pecans: Chopped pecans give these cookie balls their signature crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them for an extra depth of flavor if you’d like!

Powdered Sugar: Sweetness, without the gritty texture of regular sugar. Plus, powdered sugar is what gives the balls their melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla makes everything better. It enhances the overall flavor and adds that warm, comforting aroma.

Flour: The binding agent to hold the dough together. It keeps the texture soft but not too doughy.

Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness and balance the flavors.

Granulated Sugar: For rolling the cookie balls to give them a lovely sugary coating.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these mouthwatering Pecan Cookie Balls? Here’s how it’s done:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookie balls don’t stick.

Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Once combined, add the vanilla extract and mix. Gradually add the flour, and stir until the dough starts to come together.

Add the Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans. Be sure to incorporate them evenly throughout the dough for that perfect nutty crunch in each bite.

Form the Cookie Balls: Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter). Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden at the edges.

Cool and Coat: Let the cookie balls cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, roll each cookie ball in granulated sugar to coat them lightly.

Serve and Enjoy: These cookie balls are perfect with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. Sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 110

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Pecan Cookie Balls

Pecan Cookie Balls are delightful on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your treat:

Serve on a Dessert Platter: Pair with other small bites like truffles, chocolate-covered nuts, or fruit for a festive dessert spread.

Gift Them: Pack them in a cute box or jar, tie it with a ribbon, and you’ve got an adorable homemade gift.

With a Hot Beverage: Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect cozy treat.

Top with a Drizzle: If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the cookie balls for extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Pecan Cookie Balls turn out perfectly:

Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans beforehand brings out their flavor and makes them even crunchier. Just be careful not to burn them—toast at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes, then chop.

Don’t Overbake: These cookie balls should remain soft and tender inside. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from golden to overdone quickly.

Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

Customize: If you want to mix things up, try adding a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra warmth and spice.

Storage: Store these pecan cookie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these cookie balls ahead of time?
A1: Yes! These cookie balls can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week. They also freeze well if you want to make a big batch and save them for later.

Q2: Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
A2: Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Just chop them up into smaller pieces before mixing them into the dough.

Q3: Can I make these without powdered sugar?
A3: Powdered sugar is key to the texture of these cookie balls, so I wouldn’t recommend substituting it. Granulated sugar won’t give the same melt-in-your-mouth effect.

Q4: Can I skip the granulated sugar coating?
A4: Sure! If you prefer your cookie balls without the sugary coating, just leave them plain, and they’ll still be delicious.

Q5: Can I freeze the cookie balls before baking?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the cookie balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Q6: How do I know when they’re done baking?
A6: The edges of the cookie balls should be lightly golden, but the centers should still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A7: Yes! A handful of mini chocolate chips would be a great addition to the dough if you want to mix up the flavor.

Q8: How should I store leftover pecan cookie balls?
A8: Store the leftover cookie balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the fridge for longer freshness.

Q9: Can I make these gluten-free?
A9: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to check that it has xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.

Q10: Can I add a glaze to these cookie balls?
A10: Yes, a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of milk or vanilla would make a lovely addition for extra sweetness and shine.

Conclusion

These Pecan Cookie Balls are everything you want in a cookie: buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up all the time—whether for a cozy treat or a thoughtful gift. So, grab those pecans and get baking—you won’t regret it!

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