- Pecan Pie Balls
Bite-Sized Indulgence with All the Classic Pecan Pie Flavor
Introduction
Pecan pie is a timeless dessert that evokes comfort and tradition, especially around the holidays. But what if you could capture all that rich, nutty goodness in a portable, bite-sized treat? Enter Pecan Pie Balls—a no-fuss, flavorful twist on the classic pie that’s ideal for sharing, gifting, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
These irresistible bites combine sweet brown sugar, toasty pecans, warm cinnamon, and buttery graham cracker crumbs. The mixture bakes into gooey, golden perfection, then gets a final roll in powdered sugar for that festive, snow-dusted look. Whether served warm with a soft center or chilled for a firmer texture, they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dough
In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until the dough becomes sticky and holds together well.
3. Roll into Balls
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake
Bake for 10 minutes, or until the balls are golden brown and set. Avoid overbaking to keep the centers moist and chewy.
5. Coat in Powdered Sugar
Let the balls cool for about 5 minutes—they should be warm but not hot. Gently roll each one in powdered sugar until fully coated.
6. Serve
Enjoy warm for a gooey bite or allow to cool completely for a firmer texture. Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Tips & Variations
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw before serving.
- Flavor Twist: Drizzle with melted chocolate or add a pinch of sea salt for extra flair.
- Nut Substitutes: Try walnuts or hazelnuts in place of pecans for a fun variation.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These are excellent for prepping in advance and make great additions to cookie boxes or dessert platters.
These Pecan Pie Balls deliver everything you love about traditional pecan pie—just in a more snackable, shareable form. Simple to make and even easier to devour, they’re bound to become a new holiday favorite.