Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about the flavors of pecan pie, especially during the holiday season. When I first stumbled upon this recipe for Pecan Pie Balls, I was instantly intrigued. The idea of transforming a classic pie into bite-sized cookies felt both creative and nostalgic. After trying out the recipe with my family, I was thrilled to see their faces light up with delight. The rich, buttery flavor paired with the crunch of pecans made these treats a huge hit. We ended up devouring them way faster than I had anticipated, and I can confidently say these little bites of heaven will become a staple in our holiday baking rotation.

Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough tender.
5. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool and Coat: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated.
9. Final Cooling: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they are cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for a second coating.
10. Store: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Sodium: 55 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the Pecan Pie Balls warm or at room temperature.
• Place them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings.
• Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Consider adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate for an extra touch.
• Gift them in decorative bags for a sweet homemade gift.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Pecans: Ensure that your pecans are fresh for the best flavor. You can lightly toast them in the oven for a deeper taste.
2. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
3. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they should be lightly golden on the bottom but not brown.
4. Double the Recipe: If you’re expecting a crowd or want to ensure leftovers, consider doubling the recipe.
5. Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and add a slice of bread to keep them moist.

Recipe Variations

• Nut Variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for added warmth and spice.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch.
• Maple Syrup: Replace some granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist on sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a festive latte.
• On a Dessert Table: Include them in a dessert spread during holiday parties alongside pies and cakes.
• As Part of a Gift Basket: Combine with other baked goods, jams, or chocolates for a delicious gift basket.
• For Potlucks: They are easy to transport and sure to be a hit at any potluck gathering.
• As Snack for Kids: They make a sweet and nutty snack for kids after school or as a special treat.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
• Thawing: To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

• Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

• Absolutely! They can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container.

1. What can I use if I don’t have pecans?

• You can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts.

1. Can I omit the powdered sugar?

• You can skip the sugar coating, but it adds a lovely sweetness and visual appeal.

1. How can I tell when the cookies are done?

• They should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft on top.

1. Are these cookies suitable for gluten-free diets?

• Yes, simply use gluten-free flour.

1. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

• Yes, using brown sugar will give a richer flavor and a chewier texture.

1. What should I do if the dough is too crumbly?

• You can add a tablespoon of milk or water to help bind the dough.

1. Is there a way to make these cookies more festive?

• Consider adding red and green sprinkles before baking for a holiday touch.

1. Can I use a mixer for the entire process?
   • Yes, a stand or hand mixer works well for creaming and mixing the dough.

Conclusion

Pecan Pie Balls are an indulgent, delightful treat that encapsulate the essence of pecan pie in a cookie form. Their buttery, nutty flavor paired with the sweetness of powdered sugar makes them perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. With their easy preparation and delightful taste, you might find yourself making them more often than you’d planned!

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