Louisiana Pecan Balls 

These bite-sized treats are made with love and plenty of pecans that give it an irresistibly crunchy texture. Enjoy them as a snack or use them to impress your guests during the Christmas season – either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Confectioners sugar for rolling

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl except confectioners sugar. Mix with mixer on low until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
• Roll into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until set but not brown. Let cool for a few minutes and transfer to cooling rack. While warm roll in powdered sugar. Let cool completely. Once cooled, reroll again in powdered sugar. 

Recipe Tips

-If you find the dough too wet, add more flour.

-For added flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix.

-You can also vary the type of nuts used for different flavors and textures. Walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts all work well.

-These pecan balls are best served cold or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They also freeze well for future use!

Substitutions

-If you don’t have butter, melted coconut oil can be substituted.

-For a gluten free version, use ½ cup almond flour in place of the regular flour.

-To make these vegan friendly, replace the butter with margarine or vegetable shortening. These will not taste as rich but they are still delicious!

-To make them less sweet, reduce the sugar by half and increase the vanilla extract.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Louisiana pecan balls ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best served cold or at room temperature.

Q: How should I store pecan balls?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They also freeze well for future use!

Q: Can I substitute different nuts for the pecans?

A: Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts all work well. The recipe can be adjusted to accommodate different types of nuts if desired. Just keep in mind that different nuts may require different cooking times.

Q: What is the best way to serve Louisiana pecan balls?

A: These are great served plain as a snack or as an accompaniment to other desserts. They are also delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup! Enjoy them any way you like!

Q: Can I make these vegan friendly?

A: Yes, you can replace the butter with margarine or vegetable shortening. These will not taste as rich but they are still delicious! You can also reduce the sugar and increase the vanilla extract if desired. Additionally, use almond flour in place of regular wheat flour for a gluten free version.

Q: Are there any variations I can make to the traditional pecan ball recipe?

A: Yes, absolutely! You can add different spices to the mix such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Also, vary the types of nuts used for different flavors and textures. Walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts all work well. Additionally, if you don’t have butter on hand, melted coconut oil can be substituted in its place. Finally, reduce the sugar by half and increase the vanilla extract to make them less sweet. Have fun experimenting with the recipe and make it your own!

Q: Is there a simpler way to make these pecan balls?

A: Yes, you can use a food processor to mix together the ingredients if desired. This will take less time and effort than using a bowl and mixer. Just be sure not to over-process the dough as this will result in tough, dense pecan balls. Finally, when rolling out individual pieces, use the palms of your hands to flatten them into discs. This will make it easier to form shapes and ensure even cooking.

We hope you enjoy making and eating these tasty Louisiana pecan balls! Enjoy with family, friends or as a special treat for yourself. Thank you for trying out this recipe!

Happy baking! 🙂