Craving a sweet, buttery treat that melts in your mouth? These Pecan Cookie Balls are the perfect dessert or snack for any occasion. With a rich, nutty flavor and a light, crumbly texture, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples! Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply indulging in a homemade delight, this recipe is a must-try.
Advertisements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make – No special skills required, just mix, roll, and bake!
- Perfect for Holidays – A classic treat for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and special gatherings.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
- Rich & Buttery – The perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown
-
All-Purpose Flour (3 cups) – Provides structure and stability.
-
Butter (1 cup, softened) – Adds richness and a tender texture.
-
Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the cookies without making them overly sugary.
-
Chopped Pecans (1 cup) – Brings a delicious nutty crunch.
-
Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp) – Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
-
Powdered Sugar (1 cup, optional) – Used for coating, adding a touch of extra sweetness.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use Room Temperature Butter – Softened butter helps the ingredients combine smoothly.
- Chop Pecans Finely – For an even texture and better distribution in every bite.
- Don’t Overbake – The cookies should be set but not browned to retain their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Double-Coat with Powdered Sugar – For a richer, snowball-like appearance, roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar.
Variations and Customizations:
- Chocolate Drizzle – Add a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Mix cinnamon with powdered sugar for a warm, spiced twist.
- Nut Alternatives – Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Coffee or Espresso – The rich, nutty flavors complement a strong cup of coffee.
- Hot Cocoa – Perfect for cozy evenings during the winter months.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Enjoy these cookies alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months. Simply bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Popular Questions:
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
Advertisements
Why are my cookies too dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can make them dry. Stick to the recommended bake time and measure ingredients accurately.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce the added sugar slightly to balance the flavor.
How do I get the best powdered sugar coating?
Coat the cookies while they’re slightly warm, then roll them again once cooled for the best coverage.
Advertisements
Pecan Cookie Balls
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Pecan Cookie Balls are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth treats with a hint of sweetness. These classic cookies are simple to make and perfect for the holidays or any occasion. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
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 (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing.
- Bake to Perfection – Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
- Cool Completely – Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before coating.
- (Optional) Coat in Powdered Sugar – Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar for a festive and sweet finish.
Notes
- This recipe is also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Snowball Cookies.
- Great for holiday cookie swaps and gift-giving.
- You can customize the flavor by adding a hint of almond extract.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Advertisements
Advertisements