Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

The Perfect Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe for Sweet Snackers

These melt-in-your-mouth pecan cookie balls dance with rich, buttery flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Rolled in powdered sugar and packed with toasted pecans, these delicate treats burst with classic Southern charm.

Winter gatherings and holiday celebrations become magical moments when these delectable cookies appear on the table.

Each bite brings a crumbly, nutty sensation that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create something extraordinary.

You’ll fall in love with these irresistible little morsels that promise pure sweet satisfaction.

Prepare to experience a cookie that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a delightful indulgence.

  • Boost Vegetable Appeal: Transform boring cauliflower into a crunchy, irresistible side dish that even picky eaters will love, making healthy eating exciting and delicious.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this recipe with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor without complicated techniques.
  • Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, creating a versatile dish that works for various meal styles and preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Nutrition: Enjoy a nutrient-packed vegetable option that delivers incredible taste and texture, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The essential base that provides structure and texture to the pecan cookie balls.
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
  • Pecans: Delivers a nutty crunch and deep, toasted flavor to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
Coating Ingredient:
  • Powdered Sugar: Offers a delicate sweet finish and attractive snowy appearance to the baked cookies.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Baking Powder: Helps balance flavors and ensure proper cookie texture.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Make sure the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

Step 2: Create Delicious Dough

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine your ingredients with love:
  • Flour
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Finely chopped pecans
  • Vanilla extract

Blend everything together until the mixture becomes a uniform, delectable mass.

Step 3: Craft Perfect Cookie Orbs

Using your hands, gently roll the dough into adorable bite-sized spheres, each about 1 inch in diameter.

Arrange these little flavor bombs on a baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between them.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 13-15 minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue that signals they’re ready to be devoured.

Step 5: Dress and Enjoy

Once the cookies have cooled down, give them an optional elegant finish by tumbling them in a powdery cloud of confectioners’ sugar.

This transforms them into irresistible sweet treats that’ll disappear in moments.

  • Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, richer taste in the cookies.
  • Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform cookie balls for consistent baking and attractive presentation.
  • Gently roll warm cookies in powdered sugar or wait until completely cool for a more delicate, even dusting.
  • Place baking sheet in the center of the oven and watch closely during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning the delicate cookies.
  • Gluten-Free Pecan Snowballs: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac and gluten-sensitive bakers.
  • Maple Pecan Cookies: Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup and add a touch of maple extract for a rich woodland flavor profile.
  • Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Balls: After cooling, partially dip cookies in melted dark or white chocolate and sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for elegant decoration.
  • Vegan Nutty Cookies: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace sugar with coconut sugar, and add ground flaxseed as an egg substitute for plant-based version.
  • Pair Sweet Bourbon with Nutty Cookies: Complement the rich pecan flavor with a smooth bourbon that echoes the nuttiness and warmth of the cookies.
  • Serve with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The coffee's smooth vanilla notes will beautifully enhance the cookie's buttery texture and pecan crunch.
  • Match with Caramel Apple Cider: The sweet-tart apple and rich caramel undertones will create a delightful contrast with the cookie's nutty sweetness.
  • Explore Dark Chocolate Port: A velvety port wine will intensify the deep, toasted pecan flavors and provide a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Store cooled cookie balls in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Check temperature to avoid overcooking.
  • Warm cookies at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore crisp edges and fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

  • Are pecan cookie balls suitable for people with nut allergies?

No, these cookies contain pecans and are not safe for individuals with nut allergies. Always check ingredients carefully if you have food sensitivities.

  • Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to chop the nuts finely.

  • How do I prevent my cookie balls from crumbling?

Ensure your butter is at room temperature and mix the ingredients thoroughly. Gently roll the dough and avoid overworking it, which can make the cookies dry and crumbly.

Print
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Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet Mexican wedding cookies, rolled in powdered sugar, bring nostalgic comfort and delicate nutty charm to holiday celebrations. Delightful pecan-studded morsels melt in your mouth, connecting generations through cherished family baking traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (720 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
  • 1 cup (150 grams) chopped pecans

Sweeteners:

  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the workspace by setting the oven to a precise 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal baking environment for the delicate pecan cookie balls.
  2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly amalgamate the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, finely chopped pecans, and aromatic vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  3. Gently craft the dough into compact spheres, each approximately one inch in diameter, positioning them with care on a prepared baking surface.
  4. Transfer the arranged cookie balls to the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 13-15 minutes until they develop a delicate golden hue.
  5. Once removed, permit the cookies to cool completely, reaching room temperature for optimal texture.
  6. For an elegant finishing touch, delicately enrobe the cooled cookies in a soft dusting of powdered sugar, creating a pristine and sweet exterior.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a deeper, richer taste to the cookie balls.
  • For gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and create more uniform, compact cookies.
  • Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still slightly warm for better sugar adherence and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 25 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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