Pecan Pie Balls are a delicious bite-sized version of the classic pecan pie! They’re sweet, nutty, and full of rich flavors—perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat. Here’s a simple recipe to make these adorable and tasty pecan pie balls:
Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8-10 crackers crushed)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or corn syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips (for coating, optional)
Directions:
- Toast the Pecans (Optional):
- If you want an extra depth of flavor, toast the chopped pecans. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet. Toast them for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool before using.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but hold together when pressed.
- Form the Balls:
- Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
- Chill:
- Place the pecan pie balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up. This will make them easier to handle when dipping in chocolate (if using).
- Optional Chocolate Coating:
- If you’d like to coat the balls in chocolate, melt the white or semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can do this by placing the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until fully melted.
- Dip each chilled pecan pie ball halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. You can also roll them in chopped pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- Set the Chocolate:
- Allow the chocolate coating to harden at room temperature, or place the pecan pie balls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Serve:
- Once the chocolate is set, the pecan pie balls are ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips:
- Storage: These pecan pie balls are best stored in the fridge, especially if you’ve dipped them in chocolate. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
- Customization: You can roll them in powdered sugar, or even drizzle with more caramel sauce for added sweetness.
- Make-ahead: These can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer (for longer storage) before serving.
These Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect little treat with all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, bite-sized form! Enjoy!