These Pecan Balls are a delicious, festive treat that’s perfect for the holidays! This simple recipe only requires a few ingredients, and can be easily made ahead of time.
Christmas is my favorite time of year because it’s a time when family and friends come together.
One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is bake. I love the smell of freshly baked cookies and the way the house feels all warm and cozy.
I always bake a batch of pecan balls at Christmas time. They’re my husband’s favorite cookie and he always looks forward to them. This year, I decided to share my recipe with all of you so that you can enjoy them too!
The dough comes together quickly and can be easily rolled into balls. Then, they’re rolled in powdered sugar. These cookies are absolutely delicious – delicate crumbly texture with a rich buttery flavor.
They’re perfect for gift giving or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or glass of milk.
What are pecan snowball cookies?
Pecan snowball cookies are a classic holiday cookie that is made with chopped pecans, butter, powdered sugar, and flour. This recipe is a quick and easy way to make these delicious cookies.
What You Will Need
- Flour
- Butter – can also use margarine.
- Pecans – swap out for any kind of nuts you’d like.
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla
- Confectioners sugar – for rolling the cookies to give it a snowball effect.
How to Make Pecan Balls
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except confectioners sugar. Using an electric or standing mixer, beat on low until fully combined.
Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set but not brown.
Allow to cool for 1 minute and then transfer to a cooling rack. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Allow to cool completely and then reroll in powdered sugar. Store a loosely covered container.
Tips for the Best Pecan Balls
- Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help them hold their shape during baking.
- Use a light hand when shaping the balls. They should be about 1-inch in diameter and relatively round. If they’re too big, they’ll be difficult to eat; if they’re too small, they’ll burn easily.
- Bake the pecan balls until they’re set but not brown. Let them cool slightly before serving so that they don’t fall apart.
- Roll the pecan balls with a dusting of powdered sugar again before serving.
FAQs
Do I have to use pecans?
No, you don’ t have to use pecans. You can swap them out for walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds if you’d like.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the balls a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge.
How long will these keep?
They will be good for about a week stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can you freeze pecan balls?
Yes, you can freeze them. Once rolled into balls and coated in sugar, they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
More Christmas Treats
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Crockpot Candy
- Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Holiday Italian Ricotta Cookies
Recipe
Pecan Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Confectioners sugar for rolling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except confectioners sugar. Using an electric or standing mixer, beat on low until fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set but not brown.
- Allow to cool for 1 minute and then transfer to a cooling rack. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Allow to cool completely and then reroll in powdered sugar. Store a loosely covered container.
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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