Last Christmas, I was wracking my brain for a new treat to bring to our family gathering. Everyone always expects my classic chocolate chip cookies, and while I love making them, I wanted to surprise them with something different. I remembered a conversation with my grandmother about how she used to make these amazing little treats that were basically a handheld version of pecan pie. That’s when the idea for pecan pie balls was born!

Picture this: bite-sized balls of pecan pie goodness, perfect for popping into your mouth. They have that rich, buttery, nutty flavor you crave from pecan pie, but in a fun and easy-to-eat form. Plus, no need to worry about slicing and serving a pie – these are perfect for parties or even just a little afternoon treat for yourself. Even on my busiest days during the holidays, these surprisingly easy pecan pie balls come together without much fuss.

One of the best things about these pecan pie balls is how customizable they are. You can add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth, or even a little bourbon for a grown-up twist. My kids love to help me roll them, making it a fun family activity. My picky eater son actually asks for these pecan pie balls over cookies sometimes!

I know some people are intimidated by the idea of making pie, but trust me, these pecan pie balls are so much easier than a traditional pie. You don’t have to worry about making a perfect crust or dealing with a messy filling. It’s all about simplicity and flavor. Plus, if you’re a fan of that classic pecan pie taste, you’ll adore these pecan pie balls.

Sometimes I struggle with portion control around the holidays, but these pecan pie balls help with that too since you can easily just grab a few. The best part is that you can make the pecan pie balls ahead of time, which makes them perfect for holiday gatherings when you have limited time.

Trust me, your family is going to love these as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house! And if you are as much of a pecan lover as I am, check out my quick no bake pecan pie balls recipe to keep the pecan love going.

Ingredients

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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: I’ve found that using European-style butter with a higher fat content makes these pecan pie balls even richer and more flavorful. It’s a splurge, but definitely worth it!
1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely molasses flavor that complements the pecans perfectly. I buy this in bulk and store it in an airtight container with a terra cotta disc to keep it from drying out.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract is key here. Imitation vanilla just doesn’t have the same depth of flavor. My family definitely notices the difference, especially when it comes to these pecan pie balls.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in these pecan pie balls. Don’t skip it!
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: I usually use unbleached all-purpose flour. If you want a slightly more tender texture, you can substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with cornstarch. My kids don’t seem to notice either way when I am making these delicious pecan pie balls.

3 cups finely chopped pecans: Pecans are the star of the show here! I like to buy pecan halves and chop them myself so I can control the size. Also, keep in mind that The National Pecan Shellers Association has more pecan info.
1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling: This gives the pecan pie balls a lovely, slightly sweet coating. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also use cocoa powder or even finely crushed freeze-dried raspberries for a different flavor.

This is how my grandma made them, and I have never changed the recipe since!

Step-by-Step Instructions

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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. I use a stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works just as well. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first – mine always does too! This is the base for your pecan pie balls, so make sure it’s well combined.
Beat in the vanilla extract and salt. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. Trust me, this step is important for the best flavor distribution in your pecan pie balls.

Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pecan pie balls tough. You’re looking for a dough that holds together but is still slightly crumbly. This will give your pecan pie balls the perfect texture.
Stir in the finely chopped pecans. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is what gives the pecan pie balls that nutty, pecan pie flavor we all love. My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the flavor of the pecan pie balls.
Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for preventing the pecan pie balls from spreading too much in the oven. I learned the hard way to let it rest for a few minutes. Trust me on this one! Chilling the dough also makes it easier to handle and roll into balls.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the pecan pie balls from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. I’ve definitely skipped this step before and regretted it!
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Use a small cookie scoop to ensure consistent size and shape. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each ball. Don’t be afraid to let the kids help you with this step while making the pecan pie balls.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.

Let the pecan pie balls cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow them to firm up and prevent them from breaking.
Once cooled, roll the pecan pie balls in powdered sugar. This gives them a lovely, slightly sweet coating that complements the nutty pecan flavor. And now you have delicious pecan pie balls!

Serving Ideas

These pecan pie balls are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways.

For a simple and elegant dessert, arrange them on a pretty platter and dust with extra powdered sugar. I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top – it makes it look so much fancier! This is a great option for holiday gatherings or potlucks. We love this with a simple green salad.

If you want to get a little more creative, you can serve these pecan pie balls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This makes for a truly decadent and satisfying treat. My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion.

These pecan pie balls are also perfect for gifting! Package them in a cute tin or jar and tie with a ribbon for a homemade gift that everyone will love. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces.

Another fun idea is to use these pecan pie balls as a topping for ice cream sundaes or parfaits. They add a delicious nutty crunch that takes your dessert to the next level.

Of course, you can always just eat them straight out of the bowl! This is my personal favorite way to enjoy these pecan pie balls. If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day.

This recipe says it makes about 36 pecan pie balls, but in our house it barely lasts a day! It has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! These pecan pie balls can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze these? Yes, you can freeze these pecan pie balls for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Can I use a different type of nut? While pecans are the classic choice for pecan pie balls, you can definitely experiment with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum to help bind the dough. My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her.
What if my dough is too dry? If your dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it comes together. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can make the pecan pie balls tough.
What if my dough is too sticky? If your dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s easier to handle. You can also chill the dough for a longer period of time.

Can I add chocolate chips to these? Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition to these pecan pie balls. I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that!
Can I make these without a mixer? Yes, you can make these pecan pie balls without a mixer. Just make sure to cream the butter and sugar together very well by hand. Don’t have a stand mixer? No problem – I use my hand mixer and it works great!
Why are my pecan pie balls flat? Flat pecan pie balls could mean the oven temperature is off. You may also not have chilled them long enough before baking.

Conclusion

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These pecan pie balls are more than just a recipe to me. They’re a connection to my grandmother, a reminder of Christmases past, and a delicious treat that my family absolutely adores.

Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

Always use good quality butter– It makes a huge difference in the flavor of these pecan pie balls.
Don’t overmix the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough pecan pie balls.
Chill the dough thoroughly– This prevents the pecan pie balls from spreading too much in the oven.

My son loves it with extra powdered sugar, while my daughter prefers them plain.

Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too!

I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Pecan Pie Balls: A Bite-Sized Holiday Delight

Print Recipe

These pecan pie balls are a delicious and easy treat, perfect for the holidays or any time you want a sweet and nutty snack. They require no baking and come together quickly!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 10 balls 1x

Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a food processor, pulse pecan halves until finely chopped.
In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, softened butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
Add the chopped pecans to the bowl and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Place the pecan pie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.

Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before chopping. You can also roll the finished balls in extra powdered sugar or finely chopped pecans for added texture and presentation.