Go Back
+ servings

Easy Pecan Balls

Whip up a holiday favorite with this quick recipe for Easy Pecan Balls drizzled with melted chocolate.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients  

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • Chocolate chips, for decorating

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat baking mats.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
  • Add the flour and salt and beat just until combined then fold in the chopped pecans. 
  • Using your hands, scoop out about 1 1/2 teaspoons of dough and roll it into 1-inch balls. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake the cookies for 15 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through. (They will not brown.) Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
  • Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate or roll them in confectioners’ sugar and serve. 

Notes

  • Make sure to let your butter soften at room temperature for an hour or so before you start mixing ingredients. Cutting the stick into cubes will soften butter more quickly, as will putting the butter in a bowl set over a warm water bath.
  • For uniformly sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough before rolling.
  • Most cookies will turn golden brown when they’re ready, but these cookies will not change color. Take them out of the oven after 15 minutes so they’ll be perfectly tender.
  • To melt the chocolate, start with a perfectly dry bowl. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Or melt it in a double boiler set over barely simmering water. 
  • ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!