Classic Pecan Pie Balls
These no-bake pecan pie balls are a simple yet delicious treat, featuring a buttery shortbread and pecan base, bound with melted butter and flavored with vanilla and pecan extract. They are rolled in powdered sugar for a classic finish and chilled until firm, making them perfect for a quick dessert or holiday platter.
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- food processor
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- shallow bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups finely crushed shortbread cookies (about 200g)
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped pecans (about 170g)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (120g)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pecan extract optional, but highly recommended for depth
For Rolling
- ½ cup powdered sugar (60g)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed shortbread cookies and finely chopped pecans; a food processor works best to ensure they are very fine.
- Add the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and pecan extract (if using) to the cookie and pecan mixture.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly until a cohesive, moist dough forms that holds its shape when pressed.
- Take approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it into smooth, compact balls, then place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes to firm them up, which will make them easier to coat.
Coating and Finishing
- Pour the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar into a shallow bowl for rolling.
- Once chilled, roll each pecan pie ball in the powdered sugar until it is evenly coated on all sides, then return them to the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the coated Pecan Pie Balls for another 30-60 minutes, or until fully firm, to ensure they maintain their shape.
Notes
For best results, make sure your shortbread cookies and pecans are very finely crushed, as this creates a smoother texture for the balls. The pecan extract is highly recommended as it deepens the flavor, making these truly taste like a miniature pecan pie. If the mixture is too crumbly to roll, add a tiny bit more melted butter, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. These are perfect for holiday gifts or as a quick dessert since they require no baking. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.