If you’ve ever craved a little something sweet and crunchy, these Pecan Cookie Balls are about to become your new favorite treat. Picture this: buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, all wrapped up in a soft, tender ball of heaven. Trust me, you’re going to love these little bites of joy. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering or sneaking one (or five) as a treat after a long day, these cookies will absolutely hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love Pecan Cookie Balls
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family evening or bringing a batch to a party, these cookie balls are versatile enough to steal the spotlight. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, these sweet little balls are great for everything from holiday parties to afternoon snacks. Imagine serving them at a gathering where everyone’s eyes light up as soon as you place them on the table.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you probably already have at home, these cookies show that even the simplest ingredients can come together for a treat that feels indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: No need to be a seasoned baker for this one. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that doesn’t take much time, so you can enjoy homemade cookies without the fuss.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike love these delightful bites. They’re the perfect sweet treat to keep everyone happy, and they’re so cute to boot!

Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these cookies—they come together with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure bliss. Let’s take a look:
- Butter: The base of these cookie balls, butter adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth feel that makes these treats so irresistible.
- Sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the nuttiness of the pecans and the richness of the butter.
- Pecans: Toasted to bring out their natural flavor, these pecans add the perfect crunchy texture and nutty depth to every bite.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla is all you need to elevate the flavor profile and tie everything together.
- Flour: The binder that brings all these delicious ingredients together, creating the perfect dough for rolling into little balls.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors for the perfect bite.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these pecan cookie balls. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s so rewarding:
Toast Your Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden. Let them cool, then chop them finely. The toasted pecans really bring out their depth of flavor, making these cookie balls so irresistible.
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Stir in the chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix in the flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. It should be soft, but not too sticky—just the right consistency for rolling into balls.
Roll Into Balls
Roll the dough into small, bite-sized balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. You can gently press down each ball with your fingers to flatten them slightly, but they’re delicious either way!
Bake to Perfection
Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The smell as they bake will make it hard to wait, but trust me, the wait is worth it! Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy
Once they’ve cooled, serve these pecan cookie balls with a nice hot cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy them as a sweet snack whenever the craving hits!
How to Serve Pecan Cookie Balls
These cookie balls are the perfect treat to enjoy on their own, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, here are a few ways to serve them:
- Pair with a Hot Beverage: Enjoy them with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy experience.
- Serve at Gatherings: Perfect for parties, picnics, or holiday spreads—these cookie balls are sure to be the star of the show.
- With a Side of Fruit: Pair with fresh fruit like berries or apple slices for a sweet-and-savory snack combo.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: These cookie balls are even better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead of time. They’ll keep fresh in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Make It Your Own: Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a seasonal twist. You can also dip them in melted chocolate for a fancier touch.
- Freezer-Friendly: These cookies freeze well! Simply roll them into balls and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
A1: You can, but I highly recommend using real butter for the best flavor and texture. Margarine may change the consistency slightly.
Q2: Can I use a different nut?
A2: Definitely! Walnuts or almonds would work well in place of pecans. You’ll still get that wonderful crunch.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes! You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure to double-check the ingredients in your flour blend for any other necessary adjustments.
Q4: How long can I store these cookies?
A4: These cookie balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They’re perfect for meal prepping or having a sweet snack ready to go!
Q5: Can I freeze the dough?
A5: Yes! You can roll the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Conclusion
These Pecan Cookie Balls are the perfect little indulgence, whether you’re looking for a quick treat or something to share at a gathering. With their buttery texture and nutty crunch, they’re sure to win over everyone who tastes them. Don’t be surprised if they become a staple in your kitchen—once you’ve had one, it’s hard to stop at just one!
PrintPecan Cookie Balls
These Simple Pecan Cookie Balls are a festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday cookie parties to casual get-togethers. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a batch of melt-in-your-mouth cookies ready to enjoy. Trust me, they’ll disappear in no time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 24 cookie balls (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – for the base of the cookie dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened – provides richness and texture
- ½ cup granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness
- 1 cup chopped pecans – gives these cookies a nutty crunch
- 1 cup powdered sugar (optional) – for coating the cookies after baking
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract – adds a sweet, aromatic flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, butter, granulated sugar, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool.
- (Optional) After the cookies have cooled, shake them in powdered sugar to coat and add a sweet finish.
Notes
- You can store these Pecan Cookie Balls in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For an extra touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for warmth and spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg