Sugared Pecan Balls

(137)

Dusted with confectioners’ sugar, these dainty little cookies pack a lot of flavor into every bite.

Close up image of one sugared pecan ball.
Photo: Levi Brown
Hands On Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 20 mins
Yield:
36 cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • cup confectioners’ sugar

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; let cool. In a food processor, process the pecans until finely ground.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the ground pecans, flour, and salt; set aside.

  3. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and ⅓ cup of the sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.

  4. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).

  5. Shape the dough into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.

  6. Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until just beginning to brown, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool slightly on the baking sheets, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

  7. Place the remaining ⅓ cup of sugar on a plate. A few at a time, roll the cookies in the sugar to coat.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

120 Calories
9g Fat
8g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Calories 120
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 54mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 1g
Calcium 7mg 1%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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