Christmas Pecan Pie Balls

Rich, sweet, and packed with holiday flavor, this Christmas pecan pie balls recipe is my go to treat for busy winters and last minute gatherings, letting you enjoy classic pecan desserts in just 25 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time. These bite sized pecan candy balls bring all the nostalgia of pecan pie without the fuss, offering the ultimate easy sweet for gifting or finishing a festive feast. With simple ingredients and less than an hour needed from start to finish, these homemade candies deliver gourmet results every time.

I first created these easy Christmas pecan pie balls as part of our family’s holiday candy recipe lineup, aiming for something creamy, nutty, and just nostalgic enough to please everyone. Ever since, these have become the most requested pecan desserts whenever friends pop in or we need a festive edible gift for the season. Thanks to their rich filling, glossy chocolate coats, and the fact that even kids can help shape them, these treats have become our signature winter sweet.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Pecans (two cups, finely chopped): Offer rich, buttery flavor and the essential texture of pecan pie; toast them lightly before chopping for the best freshness and aroma, and use whole pecans for maximum flavor
• Light brown sugar (three quarters cup, packed): Adds deep caramel sweetness and a classic pecan pie taste; dark brown sugar can be swapped for a bolder flavor
• Salt (one quarter teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brings out the depth in the filling; flaky sea salt sprinkled on top is a delicious finishing touch
• Unsalted butter (one third cup, melted): Provides richness and moisture to hold the balls together; can swap in coconut oil for dairy free variations
• Light corn syrup (one tablespoon): Gives the signature gooey texture reminiscent of pecan pie; honey or maple syrup are easy, natural alternatives
• Semi sweet chocolate baking bars (four bars, chopped): Make the glossy shell and lend a creamy, robust chocolate bite; use high quality bars for the boldest taste and smoothest finish
• Graham cracker crumbs (gluten free optional): Bind the filling and keep it tender; substitute gluten free crumbs for a celiac-friendly version, or add extra chopped pecans for crunch
• Rum extract or vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic note; either extract delivers classic holiday flavor

How to Make Christmas Pecan Pie Balls

Sauté and Combine the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, packed light brown sugar, salt, melted unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and a splash of rum or vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly using your hands to squeeze and press the mixture until thick and slightly crumbly, but able to hold together. The filling’s warm, nutty aroma at this stage is a preview of the final pecan pie flavor.

Shape the Balls for Even Size:

Using a small cookie scoop, portion out the pecan mixture for even sizing, then with dampened hands, firmly roll each scoop into a smooth round ball. Place the balls spaced apart on a parchment lined baking sheet to prevent sticking. Press each ball tightly to help them stay firm during dipping.

Freeze to Set the Texture:

Move your tray of rolled pecan balls into the freezer for at least one hour to chill completely. This firms the filling so the balls keep their shape and do not crumble when coated in chocolate. If short on time, check after 40 minutes; they should feel fully solid before dipping.

Melt the Chocolate with Care:

Add the chopped semi sweet chocolate to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in twenty second bursts, stirring after each until the chocolate is just melted and glossy, being careful not to overheat or the chocolate may seize. Small unmelted bits will finish melting as you stir for a seamless finish.

Dip and Finish for a Glossy Coating:

Using a fork or dipping tool, lower each chilled pecan ball into the melted chocolate. Let excess chocolate drip away before placing each ball back on parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle tops with extra chopped pecans for crunch and a festive look. Remelt chocolate as needed to maintain smoothness.

Set and Serve with Style:

Let the dipped balls stand at room temperature until the chocolate is set, or chill briefly in the freezer for five to ten minutes for a quick firm shell. Arrange the finished pecan pie balls on a decorative plate or in paper cups for serving. Serve at room temperature for the creamiest texture and best chocolate snap.

I always toast my pecans first for the perfect crunch and a richer holiday aroma. The first time my daughter helped roll these, she giggled every time her hands got sticky, and now shaping these balls together has become a highlight of December baking. Easy pecan desserts like this make it simple to combine family traditions with effortless holiday entertaining.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This Christmas pecan pie balls recipe is easy to customize for any season or dietary need. Substitute maple syrup or honey for corn syrup to give a more natural sweetness, or use coconut oil instead of butter for a completely dairy free pecan dessert. If you are avoiding gluten, gluten free graham cracker crumbs work beautifully. For a lower sugar option, coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener can be swapped in for brown sugar, while extra dark chocolate in the shell gives a less sweet but deeply satisfying finish. Around the holidays, a sprinkle of cinnamon or ginger inside adds warmth and character with zero extra effort.

How to Store and Reheat Christmas Pecan Pie Balls

Keeping Christmas pecan pie balls fresh is simple. Once the chocolate shell is set, transfer the balls to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days, allowing the chocolate coating to seal moisture inside and keep the filling soft. For long term storage, layer the balls in a freezer safe box with parchment paper between layers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw the balls in the refrigerator before serving to prevent condensation on the chocolate, and be sure to label containers so you know the batch date. If making ahead, freeze the shaped balls before dipping and coat in fresh chocolate for peak texture when serving.

What to Serve with Christmas Pecan Pie Balls

Christmas pecan pie balls are wonderful on their own and also make a standout addition to any holiday dessert spread. For a crowd pleasing Christmas candy tray, offer them alongside peppermint bark, homemade toffee, or sugared nuts to create a festive medley of flavors and textures. A cozy pairing with hot chocolate, spiced cider, or mulled wine turns these into the centerpiece of a warm winter gathering. For edible gifts, pack them in holiday tins with colorful tissue or arrange as a delicate topping on a dessert platter with other classic pecan desserts for a show stopping finish.

Nutritional Benefits

This easy pecan balls recipe does more than satisfy sweet cravings—it provides real nutrition from wholesome ingredients. Pecans are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and plant based protein, making these treats more nourishing than most storebought sweets. Christmas pecan pie balls are also naturally vegetarian, can be gluten free with the right crumbs, and offer a dairy free option with simple swaps. Each regular sized ball contains about 430 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 18 grams of fat, with flexibility to make smaller bites for a lighter treat at your holiday table.

Recipe Success Tips

Pecan balls may look simple, but the right technique makes all the difference in the texture and coating. Always press the filling firmly before shaping—if the mix is too dry, add a teaspoon more melted butter or syrup until it just holds. If melting chocolate becomes stiff or seizes, mix in a teaspoon of neutral oil to restore creaminess. Make sure the balls are fully chilled before dipping to keep chocolate shells even and prevent messy coatings. Work in batches and be patient, and you’ll achieve bakery worthy results every time.

This Christmas pecan pie balls recipe brings classic holiday flavor and creamy, nutty satisfaction with zero stress and total homemade delight. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home and inspires your own festive sweet traditions!

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I store pecan pie balls?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate to keep them firm longer.

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a richer flavor that balances the sweetness of the pecan filling.

→ Are these suitable for making ahead for parties?

Absolutely, they freeze well and can be made days in advance, making them perfect for holiday entertaining.

→ Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

You can try walnuts or almonds, though the classic flavor comes from pecans.

→ How do I ensure the balls hold their shape?

Chilling the mixture before rolling and freezing after forming helps them maintain shape when dipped in chocolate.