The smell of freshly baked cookies fills your kitchen, bringing back cherished memories of family gatherings, holiday parties, and cozy evenings with a warm cup of cocoa. Pecan Cookie Balls are one of those timeless treats—simple, buttery, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange or just craving something sweet, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. With only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Cookie Balls
- Minimal Ingredients – Just five basic pantry staples.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps or chilling time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Holidays, parties, or a simple snack.
- Delightfully Buttery and Nutty – A melt-in-your-mouth texture with crunchy pecans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delicious Pecan Cookie Balls, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Butter (softened) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Chopped pecans | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tbsp |
| Powdered sugar (optional) | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender texture.
3. Add Vanilla and Pecans
Mix in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution.
4. Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, stirring until a soft dough forms. If it feels too crumbly, knead it gently with your hands.
5. Roll into Balls
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
7. Coat with Powdered Sugar
Once slightly cooled but still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar for a classic snowy finish. Let them cool completely before serving.
Baking Tips for the Best Pecan Cookie Balls
- Use Room-Temperature Butter – Soft butter mixes better with sugar, creating a smooth dough.
- Finely Chop the Pecans – This ensures they blend well into the dough.
- Double Coating with Powdered Sugar – Roll them once while warm and again after cooling for extra sweetness.
- Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Variations to Try
Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Balls
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and let them set for a fancy touch.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Instead of powdered sugar, roll them in a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a warm flavor.
Nutty Mix
Swap or combine walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts with pecans for a different taste.
Gluten-Free Version
Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
How to Store and Freeze Pecan Cookie Balls
Storing at Room Temperature
- Keep them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze before baking: Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes.
- Freeze after baking: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pairing Ideas for Pecan Cookie Balls
Drinks
- Hot Chocolate – Complements the nutty sweetness.
- Coffee or Espresso – Balances the richness.
- Spiced Tea – A cozy pairing for chilly days.
Dessert Boards
Serve these cookies alongside truffles, fudge, and shortbread for a festive platter.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work just as well and add different flavors.
2. Why are my cookies too dry?
If the dough feels dry, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to help it come together. Overbaking can also dry them out.
3. Do I have to roll them in powdered sugar?
No, but it adds a traditional touch. You can enjoy them plain or with a light glaze.
4. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container.
5. How can I make them extra crunchy?
Bake them a couple of minutes longer and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
6. Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes! Package them in a festive tin or a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Final Thoughts – Bake and Share the Joy!
Pecan Cookie Balls are more than just a dessert—they bring warmth, nostalgia, and joy to any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of buttery, nutty cookies that melt in your mouth. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit!
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start baking these delightful treats today!
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Pecan Cookie Balls – Just a Few Ingredients to Make These Simple Cookies!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
Description
These Pecan Cookie Balls are buttery, nutty, and melt in your mouth with every bite. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a cozy afternoon treat. Roll them in powdered sugar for a classic snowy finish or enjoy them plain for a rich, buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, knead it gently with your hands.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
- Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Roll them again once completely cooled for extra sweetness.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the dough.
- Double coat with powdered sugar for a sweeter, snow-like effect.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Store baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American