Butter Balls(Cookies)

Prep: 120 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

Delicious butter balls cookies are rich, buttery treats with crunchy pecans, powdered sugar coating, perfect for festive occasions or casual snacking with a sweet crunch.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup pecans

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  2. Roll the chilled mixture into 1-inch balls.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
  4. Roll the baked cookies in powdered sugar.

Tips & Substitutions

For a nuttier flavor, you can substitute walnuts for pecans, or even try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture. If you want to make the cookies even more festive, consider adding mini chocolate chips or dried fruit. Refrigerating the dough helps maintain the shape during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These butter balls are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make a lovely addition to holiday dessert platters alongside treats like Herb's Apple Butter Cookies. Consider sprinkling a little extra powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also refrigerate them, which extends their shelf life for another week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butter Balls(Cookies) contains roughly 946 calories, with 11g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

946 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.9g 22% DV
Total Fat 31.5g 40% DV
Carbs 117.7g 43% DV
Fiber 2.9g 10% DV
Sugar 37.2g 74% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 8.1mg
Potassium 204.3mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 90mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 23.1mg 2% DV
Iron 5mg 28% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used as a substitute, it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter provides a rich taste and helps achieve the desired crumbly texture, so it's best to stick with it for the best results.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom and firm to the touch. Keep in mind that they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture.

Can I freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before rolling it into balls. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with rolling and baking as directed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →