Nut Ball
Nut Balls are rich, buttery treats packed with crushed walnuts and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet snack, they offer a delightful crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture, finished with a coating of powdered sugar. An easy, crowd-pleasing dessert for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the butter until smooth.
- Add sugar, vanilla, and water to the creamed butter and mix well.
- Stir in the flour and salt until combined.
- Add the crushed walnuts and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Allow the nut balls to cool, then roll them in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the crushed walnuts before adding them to the dough. You can substitute half of the walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired. If you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the sugar slightly, or roll the cooled nut balls in cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve nut balls as a delightful snack with coffee or tea, or present them at holiday gatherings for a sweet treat. They pair beautifully with Blender Banana Pudding for a delicious dessert spread. For an added touch, consider drizzling some chocolate over the cooled nut balls or serving them alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover nut 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. When ready to enjoy, let them come to room temperature or gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for a few minutes to restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nut Ball contains roughly 92 calories, with 1g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 2g 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 different nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Just remember to chop them finely and adjust the amount based on your preference to maintain the right texture in the dough.
Can I make these nut balls gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure that the blend you use contains xanthan gum, or add a small amount to ensure the right consistency.
How can I make these nut balls more festive?
To make your nut balls more festive, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor. You can also decorate them with colorful sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate on top after they cool for an eye-catching presentation.
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).