Chocolate Sugar Balls
Sweet chocolate sugar balls with crunchy pecans and colorful sugar coatings, perfect for holiday gatherings or as delightful homemade treats for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in water until well combined.
- Add the flour gradually and mix until a dough forms.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in red or green sugar.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet, 1 inch apart.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes or until firm to touch.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of 10x sugar. You can also substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if you prefer. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping. Rolling the balls in green sugar can add variety for the holidays. To enhance the chocolate flavor, add cocoa powder to the dough for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Sugar Balls are delightful as a standalone treat but pair beautifully with 'Old Timey' Hot Chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a festive touch, place them on a decorative platter with other holiday cookies and sweets to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store the leftover Chocolate Sugar Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and enjoy them within three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Sugar Balls contains roughly 49 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 a different type of sugar for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar or brown sugar for the 10x sugar, but it will alter the texture slightly. Granulated sugar may result in a crunchier exterior, while brown sugar will add moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Experiment to find your desired taste and texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a delightful texture. Aim for about 1 cup of chocolate chips; you can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. Just fold them in along with the chopped pecans in step 4.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you don’t have pecans or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives. You can also make this recipe nut-free by omitting the nuts altogether or using seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch without the allergens.
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).