Name: Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) butter; 1 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar

Soft and crumbly pecan cookie balls dance with sweet, nutty charm in this delightful treat.

Maple-infused crumbles melt effortlessly on your tongue, creating moments of pure bliss.

Pecans bring a rich, buttery complexity that elevates every single bite.

Southern kitchens whisper secrets of these delectable morsels passed through generations.

Compact and perfectly round, these cookies promise comfort in each delicate sphere.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Unwrap the magic and let these pecan cookie balls become your next delicious adventure.

Craft Quick Delights: These pecan cookie balls come together in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for bakers who want a fast and delicious treat without complicated techniques.
Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexibility with an optional powdered sugar coating, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and presentation to suit your taste or special occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Packed with chopped pecans, these cookies deliver a delightful crunch and rich nutty flavor that appeals to both kids and adults, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using basic pantry staples like flour, butter, and sugar, this recipe proves you can create something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients.

For the Base:

Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cookie balls.
Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp exterior.
Chopped Pecans: Brings a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the cookies.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

For the Coating:

Powdered Sugar: Creates a delicate, sweet finish and gives the cookies a festive appearance.

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect environment for baking these delightful pecan treats.

Step 2: Mix Your Magical Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all your delicious ingredients:

Flour
Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Finely chopped pecans
Vanilla extract

Stir everything together until the mixture transforms into a smooth, cohesive dough that promises incredible flavor.

Step 3: Shape Your Cookie Treasures

Gently roll the dough into small, uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Carefully place each ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving them enough space to breathe and bake beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 13-15 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a delicate, light golden color – this is your signal that cookie magic is happening.

Step 5: Create Sweet Snow-Covered Cookies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in a generous coating of powdered sugar. This optional step adds a beautiful, festive touch that makes these pecan cookies look like winter wonderland delights.

Mix ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth, cohesive texture that holds together perfectly.
Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create consistent 1-inch balls, ensuring even baking and professional-looking results.
Lightly toast pecans before chopping to intensify their nutty richness and add depth to the cookie's overall taste.
Let cookies cool completely before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent clumping and achieve a clean, elegant finish.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain their delicate texture.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Replace some pecans with chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent flavor that melts in your mouth.
Cinnamon Spice Pecan Balls: Mix ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dough for a warm, comforting taste that brings holiday vibes.
Maple Glazed Pecan Cookies: Drizzle homemade maple glaze over cooled cookies instead of powdered sugar for a decadent, caramel-like sweetness.
Coconut Pecan Crunch: Sprinkle shredded coconut into the dough and roll cookies in toasted coconut flakes for added texture and tropical flair.

Pair Creamy Eggnog: Complement the nutty, buttery pecan cookie balls with a rich, velvety glass of traditional eggnog. The creamy, spiced beverage enhances the warm pecan flavors and provides a luxurious holiday drinking experience.
Serve with Cinnamon Coffee: Brew a hot cup of cinnamon-infused coffee that perfectly matches the sweet, toasty notes of the pecan cookies. The warm spice and robust coffee create a delightful balance with the delicate, crumbly texture of the cookies.
Match with Vanilla Bourbon: Pour a small glass of smooth vanilla bourbon to elevate the pecan cookie's nutty essence. The caramel undertones and warming spirit beautifully highlight the cookie's rich, buttery characteristics.

Store cooled pecan cookie balls in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.

Wrap individual cookie balls in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a softer treat.

If the powdered sugar coating fades, gently roll the cookies in fresh powdered sugar just before serving to restore their sweet, elegant appearance.

FAQs

What are Pecan Cookie Balls made of?

These delightful cookies are crafted with simple ingredients including flour, butter, granulated sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. The combination creates a rich, nutty treat that’s easy to make and wonderfully delicious.

Are these cookies good for special occasions?

Absolutely! Pecan Cookie Balls are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet homemade gift. Their compact size and elegant appearance make them ideal for serving at parties or wrapping as a thoughtful present.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the cookie’s smooth texture and consistent shape.

Pecan Cookie Balls Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Rich, melt-in-your-mouth pecan cookie balls roll through holiday traditions with classic southern charm. Buttery pecans and powdered sugar create delicate spheres of sweet comfort waiting to become your new festive favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring:

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Coating:

1 cup powdered sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F, preparing a pristine parchment-lined baking sheet for the upcoming confectionery adventure.
In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, finely chopped pecans, and aromatic vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly until a cohesive dough emerges, ensuring all ingredients harmonize perfectly.
Tenderly sculpt the mixture into delicate spheres, each measuring approximately one inch in diameter. Arrange these orbs with gentle precision onto the prepared baking sheet, allowing slight separation between each cookie.
Transfer the sheet to the preheated oven, allowing the cookies to transform for 13-15 minutes. Watch for the edges to develop a subtle golden hue, signaling their readiness and promising delectable crispness.
Once removed, permit the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet, their aroma wafting tantalizingly through the kitchen.
For an optional decadent finale, delicately tumble the cooled cookies in a cloud of powdered sugar, creating a elegant, frost-like coating that adds a whisper of additional sweetness.

Notes

Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough consistency.
Chop pecans finely to distribute evenly throughout the cookie, creating a balanced nutty flavor in every bite.
For gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Roll cookies in powdered sugar while still slightly warm for better sugar adhesion and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snacks, Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 24
Calories: 189
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 25 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0.2 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.