Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

Delight your guests with easy, delicious Holiday Pecan Pie Balls, perfect bite-sized treats bursting with rich pecan pie flavor. These festive goodies combine buttery crust, gooey pecan filling, and a touch of sweetness all rolled into one irresistible snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something special, Holiday Pecan Pie Balls deliver the cozy flavors of pecan pie in a convenient, mess-free form that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Simple steps and common ingredients make this a hassle-free recipe for busy holiday cooks.
• Perfect portion size: Bite-sized balls are easy to serve, eat, and share—no slicing or plates required.
• Classic flavor combo: The iconic taste of pecan pie comes through in every gooey, crunchy bite.
• Versatile treat: These can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, fitting any party style.
• Great for gifting: Packaged in jars or festive tins, they make delightful homemade presents.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Holiday Pecan Pie Balls comes down to a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each contributes to the perfect balance of rich, sweet filling, nutty crunch, and tender crust that defines this treat.

• Pecan halves: The star ingredient providing that signature nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Butter: Adds richness to both dough and filling, creating a tender texture.
• Brown sugar: Brings caramel-like sweetness and moisture for that gooey filling.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances depth and warmth in every bite.
• Mini pie crusts or pre-made dough: A convenient shortcut that forms the perfect outer shell.
• Honey or corn syrup: Provides sticky sweetness that helps hold the filling together.

Variations for Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

One of the best parts about Holiday Pecan Pie Balls is how easy they are to tweak based on your pantry staples or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment and make these your own!

• Chocolate drizzle: Add a touch of melted dark or white chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
• Gluten-free crust: Use gluten-free pie crusts to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
• Maple syrup substitution: Swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetener and extra flavor.
• Spiced filling: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to evoke seasonal warmth.
• Nut mix: Combine pecans with walnuts or almonds for a varied texture and taste.

How to Make Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by rolling out your pie crust dough to about 1/8 inch thickness and cutting it into small, uniform circles roughly 2 inches in diameter. These will form the base and shell for your balls.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, honey or corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed and sticky, ensuring every pecan piece is coated in the sweet filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Balls

Place a spoonful of the pecan filling in the center of each dough circle. Gently fold and pinch edges to form a tightly sealed ball shape, making sure not to let any filling leak out during baking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the balls on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly to set the gooey filling.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled balls for a festive look and extra indulgence.

Pro Tips for Making Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

• Use fresh pecans: Fresh nuts ensure the best flavor and crunch in your pecan pie balls.
• Don’t overfill: Just enough filling to avoid leaks but still maintain that gooey center.
• Chill dough before shaping: This prevents sticking and helps maintain the ball shape during baking.
• Bake on parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
• Cool thoroughly: Allows the filling to set properly, so the balls hold together when served.

How to Serve Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

Garnishes

Top your Holiday Pecan Pie Balls with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar to add visual appeal and extra flavor layers.

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries for a well-rounded dessert experience everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Holiday Pecan Pie Balls on festive platters lined with holiday-themed napkins, or place them in decorative mini cupcake liners for an inviting, party-ready display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Holiday Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked or baked balls by placing them on a baking sheet, flash freezing, then transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving or baking.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore soft, gooey centers without drying out the crust.

FAQs

Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans work great and distribute more evenly throughout the filling for consistent flavor and texture.

Are Holiday Pecan Pie Balls gluten-free?

Traditional versions are not, but you can easily substitute gluten-free pie crusts to make a delicious gluten-free treat.

Can these be made vegan?

Yes, by using plant-based butter and a vegan pie crust, along with maple syrup instead of honey, you can create a vegan-friendly version.

How long do Holiday Pecan Pie Balls last?

Stored properly, they stay fresh for about three days at room temperature and up to a month in the freezer.

Do I have to bake them or can I make them no-bake?

Baking is essential to develop the golden crust and slightly caramelize the filling—no-bake versions won’t deliver the same texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

Holiday Pecan Pie Balls are truly a festive crowd-pleaser that bring the heartwarming flavors of pecan pie into a fun, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re sharing at a holiday party, gifting to loved ones, or simply indulging yourself, these little bundles of joy make every occasion sweeter. Give this recipe a try and watch your holiday celebrations get a deliciously delightful upgrade!

Related Posts

• Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites Recipe
• Purple Velvet Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling

Print