Swedish Pecan Balls
Swedish Pecan Balls are delicate, nutty cookies with a tender crumb and a sweet powdered sugar coating. Their rich pecan flavor and buttery texture make them perfect for holiday treats or tea time indulgence, appealing to those who enjoy melt-in-your-mouth confections with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground pecans, sugar, margarine, flour, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix well.
- Shape the dough into balls the size of walnuts.
- Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 275°F for about 30 minutes or until light brown.
- Allow cookies to cool, then roll in powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the ground pecans lightly before mixing them into the dough. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter is a great substitute that will enhance the cookies' taste. You can also try using almond flour instead of regular flour for a slightly different texture and nutty flavor. Make sure to keep the dough cold before shaping to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish Pecan Balls are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of Hot Breakfast Tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For an elegant dessert spread, serve them alongside Cocoa-Lace Cookies. You can also dust them with additional powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
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, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their original texture, or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Pecan Balls contains roughly 71 calories, with 1g protein, 15g 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 nut?
Yes, you can substitute ground almonds or walnuts for the pecans if desired. Each nut will lend a unique flavor to the cookies, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Swedish Pecan Balls, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free flour blend. This will maintain the texture while accommodating those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To give your pecan balls a festive twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also roll them in colored sugar instead of powdered sugar for a fun holiday 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).