Irresistible Holiday Pecan Pie Balls You Need to Try This Season

Growing up in that old white farmhouse nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our holidays were marked by the warmth of the kitchen and the hum of family stories weaving through the air. Nothing quite captured those moments like a good pecan pie — rich, nutty, and sticky-sweet, a true Southern treasure. But as much as I adore Mama Lu’s skillet cornbread and her slow-cooked Sunday roasts, sometimes you want something a little hand-held, a little more playful, yet still dripping with that familiar comfort. That’s where these Holiday Pecan Pie Balls come in. They’re like a pocketful of that beloved pecan pie magic, perfect for sharing or sneaking bites while the house fills with laughter and music.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

These Holiday Pecan Pie Balls are the kind of treat that takes me right back to Mama Lu’s kitchen, where the recipes weren’t written down but lived in the rhythm of hands working and stories told. They combine the best of both worlds — the buttery, flaky crust and the gooey, nutty filling — but in a bite-sized form that’s easy to munch during a family gathering or a cozy winter evening. If you’ve ever struggled with slicing a pecan pie without losing half the filling on your plate, these balls solve that problem with a smile.

What makes these little bites truly special is their versatility. They’re rich and indulgent but balanced with toasted pecans and just the right touch of molasses and brown sugar. I remember the first time I brought a batch to a holiday potluck in Portland — far from the Blue Ridge, but still steeped in the spirit of home. Folks went back for seconds, and I knew Mama Lu would’ve been proud, even if she never made anything quite like these.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecan halves, toasted and chopped
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (or substitute with light corn syrup for a more traditional pecan pie flavor)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (extra for filling)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (for filling)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for filling)

When I’m short on pecans, I’ve sometimes swapped in walnuts or even toasted hazelnuts, which add a lovely twist. And if you’re watching sugar, you can cut back slightly or use coconut sugar for a deeper caramel note. But whatever you choose, keep that buttery crust rich and flaky — that’s the heart of this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 210 per serving (1 pecan pie ball)
• Protein: 3 grams
• Fat: 12 grams (mostly from butter and pecans)
• Carbohydrates: 22 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Sugar: 14 grams
• Sodium: 110 milligrams

These numbers are based on a recipe yielding about 15 pecan pie balls. While they’re a little indulgent — as any good holiday treat should be — they’re also packed with natural fats and proteins from the nuts and butter, making each bite satisfyingly rich and full of flavor.

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Steps to Create Your Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is just like how Mama Lu showed me to make biscuit dough — don’t overwork it, or the crust will lose its flakiness.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir gently until the dough just comes together. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of ice water at a time. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Fold in the toasted, chopped pecans.
5. Remove the chilled dough from the fridge. Roll it out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Using a small round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter), cut out circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Spoon about a teaspoon of the pecan filling onto the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over, pinching the edges together to form a ball. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round — rustic shapes have character, just like Mama Lu’s kitchen.
7. Place the pie balls on the baking sheet, seam side down. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. These are best enjoyed warm, when the filling is still just a touch gooey.

Tips for Making the Best Holiday Pecan Pie Balls

One of my favorite lessons from Mama Lu was how much patience matters in baking — rushing the dough or skipping the chilling step is asking for trouble. The cold dough helps create that flaky, tender crust that’s the perfect contrast to the sticky filling.

When toasting pecans, keep a close eye on them. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a blink, and that bitterness will overshadow the sweet filling. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned. Learn more: Irresistible No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls You Have to Try

Folding the dough over the filling can be a little sticky business, so lightly flour your hands and the edges of the dough to make pinching easier. If you find the filling oozing out, it’s a sign you might be overfilling — a teaspoon per ball is just right.

And here’s a little secret I learned from those porch-side baking days: letting these balls sit for a few hours or even overnight lets the flavors deepen, making each bite richer and more complex.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Holiday Pecan Pie Balls shine best when shared with good company and simple accompaniments. Serve them warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — the cold creaminess cuts through the sweetness beautifully.

For drinks, I’ve found that a strong cup of black coffee or a spiced chai tea pairs perfectly, echoing the warm spices and nutty notes in the filling. At one holiday gathering in Portland, these little balls made a stunning addition to the dessert table, nestled next to warm apple cider and cranberry relish.

If you’re feeling extra festive, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving, like a dusting of the first winter snow over the Blue Ridge. It’s simple, sweet, and makes the presentation feel special.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These pecan pie balls keep surprisingly well, which is perfect for those busy holiday days when you’re juggling cooking, visiting, and maybe even a little porch-swing storytelling. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring them back to room temperature, then warm gently in a 325°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. That warm, melty filling is worth the wait.

For freezing, wrap each ball individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep up to three months this way. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Holiday Pecan Pie Balls?

The main ingredients for Holiday Pecan Pie Balls include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Holiday Pecan Pie Balls?

The total time to make Holiday Pecan Pie Balls includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Holiday Pecan Pie Balls ahead of time?

Yes, Holiday Pecan Pie Balls can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Holiday Pecan Pie Balls?

Holiday Pecan Pie Balls pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Holiday Pecan Pie Balls suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Holiday Pecan Pie Balls may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

These Holiday Pecan Pie Balls carry with them more than just sugar, butter, and nuts — they hold a piece of my childhood kitchen, the love of a grandmother who taught me that food is a language spoken with heart and hands. They’re a reminder that sometimes the best recipes don’t come from measuring cups or strict instructions, but from memories, shared stories, and the joy of gathering around a table.

Whether you’re making these for a holiday feast, a cozy winter night, or just because the spirit moves you, I hope they bring a little warmth and togetherness to your home, just like they did for mine. And maybe, like me, you’ll find yourself passing down this recipe — not written, but remembered — with a pinch of salt and a whole lot of soul.