Description
Holiday Pecan Pie Balls are easy-to-make, bite-sized treats featuring a buttery crust filled with gooey, sweet pecan pie filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these flavorful snacks offer the classic taste of pecan pie in a convenient, mess-free form that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Pecan halves (or chopped pecans as preferred) – about 1 cup
- Butter – 1/4 cup, melted
- Brown sugar – 1/2 cup, packed
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Mini pie crusts or pre-made dough – enough to cut 2-inch circles (approximately 1 standard 9-inch pie crust)
- Honey or corn syrup – 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pie crust dough to about 1/8 inch thickness and cut it into small, uniform circles roughly 2 inches in diameter. These will form the base and shell for your balls.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Finishing Touches: Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled balls for a festive look and extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use fresh pecans to ensure the best flavor and crunch.
- Don’t overfill the dough circles to avoid filling leaks during baking.
- Chill dough before shaping to prevent sticking and help balls hold their shape when baked.
- Bake on parchment paper to simplify cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Cool thoroughly so the filling sets properly and balls hold their shape when served.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 balls
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pecan pie balls, holiday desserts, bite-sized treats, pecan pie, easy holiday recipe, gluten-free dessert option