Description

These Pecan Cookie Balls are delightful bite-sized treats that combine a rich buttery dough with the crunch and flavor of toasted pecans. Rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet nutty snack. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these no-fuss cookie balls offer a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a buttery pecan flavor that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookie balls evenly.
Toast the pecans: Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt until just combined. Fold in the toasted, finely chopped pecans carefully to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
Shape cookie balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls using your hands, placing them about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake: Bake the cookie balls in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden and the cookies are set.
Cool and coat: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled but slightly warm, roll each cookie ball in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Serve: Enjoy your pecan cookie balls immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

Be sure not to overbake to keep the cookie balls tender and not dry.
To toast pecans without an oven, use a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough if desired.
Store cookie balls in an airtight container at room temperature; they also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Use softened butter to ensure the dough mixes smoothly and yields tender cookies.