Holiday Balls
Sweet, nutty holiday balls with dates, pecans, and rice krispies, coated in powdered sugar. Perfect for festive gatherings and satisfying a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the margarine and sugar in a saucepan.
- Chop the dates and add them to the pan.
- Cook over low heat until all ingredients blend and form a preserves-like mixture.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans, rice krispies, and vanilla.
- Form the mixture into balls and roll them in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for margarine. If you prefer a different nut, try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. To enhance sweetness, consider adding a splash of maple syrup. Ensure you chop the dates finely for easier mixing and better texture. If you want a crunchy twist, mix in some crushed pretzels or swap Rice Krispies for Zesty Snack Mix.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Balls make a delightful addition to any festive gathering or holiday party. Serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit or pair them with a cup of warm tea. They also complement well with savory snacks like Football Chili, creating a balanced spread for guests to enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Holiday Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to three weeks. To enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, simply take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may alter their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Balls contains roughly 196 calories, with 2g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these Holiday Balls vegan?
Yes, you can easily make these Holiday Balls vegan by substituting margarine with a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. Additionally, use a vegan-friendly vanilla extract to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
How do I make these less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the Holiday Balls, you can decrease the amount of sugar by up to half. You might also consider omitting the powdered sugar coating for a less sugary finish. Adding a pinch of salt can help balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
Can I add other ingredients to the mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Holiday Balls by incorporating other ingredients such as dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or shredded coconut. Just be mindful of the overall texture; additional ingredients should complement rather than overwhelm the mixture.
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).