Mrs. Clary'S Pecan Balls
Delicious pecan balls coated in powdered sugar, offering a buttery, nutty flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except confectioners sugar in a bowl.
- Knead with hands until well combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until set but not browned.
- Let the cookies cool for 1 minute.
- Roll the warm cookies in confectioners sugar to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're short on time, you can skip refrigeration, but chilling helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. Try using different nuts like walnuts or pecans for a unique twist. You can even add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth. Always sift your flour to ensure a light texture in these delicate cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These pecan balls are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. You can also serve them alongside Sherry'S Dessert to create a delightful dessert platter. For a festive touch, sprinkle some extra confectioners sugar on top before serving, making them visually appealing for gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pecan balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Clary'S Pecan Balls contains roughly 81 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g 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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, roll it into balls, and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you're craving a fresh batch of cookies.
What type of nuts work best in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, pecans are the traditional choice for their rich flavor. However, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference. Just ensure they are finely chopped for even distribution throughout the dough.
How can I adjust the sweetness of these cookies?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar to one tablespoon or use a sugar substitute suitable for baking. Remember that the confectioners sugar used for coating adds sweetness as well, so adjust accordingly to find your perfect balance.
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).