pecan ball cookie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pecan ball cookie recipe

I’ve been making pecan ball cookies for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. These delicious treats are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

The combination of crunchy pecans, sweet chocolate, and chewy cookie dough is a match made in heaven. I love that they’re also relatively healthy compared to other cookie recipes, thanks to the use of rolled oats and natural sweeteners.

My kids adore helping me mix the dough and shape the balls, and they’re always excited to sneak a few extras when I’m not looking. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your kids or a sweet treat to serve at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to please.

I like to make them in large batches so I can freeze some for later, and they keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Plus, they’re easy to reheat in the oven or microwave if you need a quick snack.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is – we enjoy them as a snack on their own, or paired with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee. They’re also great as a topping for ice cream or yogurt parfaits, or even as a crunchy addition to salads like spinach or kale.

Classic Pecan Ball Cookies

4.6 from 1894 votes

These pecan ball cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty snack. They are easy to make and feature a rich, buttery flavor with a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 300 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pecan Balls

1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups pecans
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

For the Topping

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4Stir in the vanilla extract.
5Gradually add the pecans.
6Mix until well combined.
7Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
8Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
9Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10While the pecan balls are baking, prepare the topping by mixing 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1/4 cup milk in a small bowl until smooth.
11Remove the pecan balls from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
12Roll each warm pecan ball in the powdered sugar mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
13Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
14Once cool, roll them in the remaining 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar to coat completely.
15Allow the pecan balls to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
16This will allow the coating to harden and the flavors to meld together.
17Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 300 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: For a fun twist, you can add a small piece of chocolate to the center of each pecan ball before rolling in the powdered sugar.

Pecan ball cookies are always a good idea – whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or just need a quick snack on hand.

They’re easy to make, delicious, and versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of toppings.

Plus, they keep beautifully in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute snacking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Ball Cookies

Q: What is the origin of pecan ball cookies?

Pecan ball cookies have their roots in Southern American cuisine, where pecans were abundant and widely used in baking.

Q: How do you store pecan ball cookies?

I like to store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Q: Can I make pecan ball cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

Q: Are pecan ball cookies suitable for special diets?

This recipe is relatively healthy compared to other cookie recipes, thanks to the use of rolled oats and natural sweeteners.

Q: How do you reheat pecan ball cookies?

You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds.

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