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–+ servings

Easy Pecan Balls

These delicious, sugary pecan balls SCREAM Christmas! Pecans and just 4 additional ingredients are rolled into a soft cloud of powdered sugar to create cookies that are light and delicious. These cookies are perfect for a cookie exchange or to share when friends and family come over for a holiday visit.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 36 servings
Calories: 122kcal
Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 8 minutes or until fragrant. In a food processor, process the pecans until fine crumbs form.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the ground pecans, flour and salt and set aside. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the butter, 1/2 cup of the sugar and almond extract on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  • Add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Shape the dough into tablespoon-size balls using your hands and place 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Bake until just beginning to brown around bottom edges, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool. Place the remaining sugar in a bowl and roll the cookies in the sugar to coat.

Notes

  • Make sure your butter is taken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you prepare the recipe. If you forget, you can place the butter stick on a plate in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, don’t fret! Finely chop the pecans as finely as possibly using a knife.
  • Slow down and beat the butter and sugar mix to let it get light and fluffy. It’s worth the time!
  • You can buy pecan pieces already chopped if you want to skip toasting whole pieces. It’s delicious and extra flavor though to toast them in the oven!
  • These balls will come out of the oven a little fragile. Let them cool on the pan before transferring them to a wire rack or into a container to help them keep their shape. Then they’ll be ready to transport!
  • Make a double batch easily and these are also easy to freeze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 161IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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