Christmas Pecan Ball Recipe by InfoStarBase

Indulge in the festive spirit with our Christmas Pecan Balls recipe! These delightful treats combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a hint of sweetness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for the holiday season. Easy to make and beautifully bite-sized, these pecan balls are ideal for sharing at parties or enjoying with family. Whether you’re looking for a sweet addition to your holiday dessert table or a thoughtful homemade gift, these Christmas Pecan Balls are sure to spread joy and cheer!

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. margarine (1 cup), softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened margarine, vanilla extract, and salt. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix the ingredients until they form a smooth and creamy consistency. The soothing aroma of vanilla will fill your kitchen, getting you into the holiday mood. Please be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Add Dry Ingredients

Next, gradually add the flour and chopped pecans to the mixture. The pecans will give a delightful crunch and distinct flavor to the cookies. Stir until everything is blended evenly. You can use a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on low speed. The dough will become thick; don’t worry if it takes a little extra time to combine everything fully.

Chill the Dough

Once your dough is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Chilling the dough for at least an hour—not only makes it easier to shape but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’re planning to make these in advance, the dough can be refrigerated longer; remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.

Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The moment you pop those cookies in the oven, your home will fill with an enticing aroma of baking and holiday cheer. When the dough has chilled sufficiently, take it out and roll it into small balls about the size of quarters. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between them to allow for any slight spreading during baking.

Bake

Slide the cookie sheet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven. You’re looking for a light golden color on the bottoms. The tops will remain pale, which is just how they should look.

Roll in Sugar

As soon as you pull the cookies out of the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes. While they’re still warm, roll them gently in confectioners’ sugar. This first coating of sugar will stick nicely to the warm cookies, creating a light, sweet crust. Allow them to cool slightly, then roll them in sugar one more time for that extra touch of sweetness and holiday flair.

Cool Completely

Finally, transfer the pecan balls to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential, as it allows the cookies to firm up a bit. The contrast between the soft interior and the sugary exterior is genuinely delightful.

Once cooled, these Christmas Pecan Balls are ready to be served! They make a wonderfully festive treat for any gathering and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy your delicious creations, and may they bring warmth and joy to your holiday festivities!