4-Ingredient Pecan Balls

These 4-Ingredient Pecan Balls are one of those simple recipes I always keep in my back pocket. Whether I’m baking for a holiday party, a casual get-together, or just craving something nutty and buttery, these melt-in-your-mouth treats always come through. They’re rustic, quick to make, and feel just fancy enough to pass as a dessert or as a savory snack with coffee or cocktails. Add chocolate and suddenly they’re a crowd-pleasing indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these pecan balls come together with just four basic ingredients—butter, flour, sugar, and pecans—and still taste rich and satisfying. They’re not overly sweet, so I serve them as a snack or even alongside a cheese board. When I want to elevate them, I drizzle melted chocolate over the top or dip half the ball in dark chocolate. Either way, they’re always a hit and perfect for make-ahead baking.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• butter, softened (but not melted)
• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• chopped pecans
• pinch of salt (optional, but enhances flavor)

Optional for chocolate version:

• melted chocolate for drizzling or dipping

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, I combine the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy. Then I stir in the flour, chopped pecans, and a pinch of salt. The dough will look crumbly, but when I press it between my hands, it holds together.

Using my hands, I form the dough into small balls—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. If the dough sticks to my hands, I wet them slightly to make rolling easier.

I place the balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. I let them cool completely on the pan to avoid crumbling.

Once they’ve cooled, I either leave them plain or drizzle melted chocolate over the tops for a sweet finishing touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 20–24 small pecan balls.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 15–18 minutes
Cooling time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: About 40–45 minutes

Variations

For a dessert version, I like to dip half of each ball in melted dark or milk chocolate, then let them set on wax paper. If I’m going for extra crunch, I sometimes add finely chopped walnuts or almonds to the mix. I’ve also rolled them in powdered sugar once cooled for a snowball-style twist. And when I want something extra cozy, I stir in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.

storage/reheating

I store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to a month. When ready to serve, I let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Why is my dough so crumbly?

The dough naturally looks crumbly, but it should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, I add a teaspoon of water or a tiny bit more butter.

Can I use pre-chopped pecans?

Yes, I use pecan pieces to save time. I give them a quick rough chop to make sure there aren’t any big chunks.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?

I don’t usually toast them, since they bake in the oven. But if I want extra depth of flavor, I’ll toast them lightly before adding them to the dough.

How do I keep the balls from falling apart?

I let them cool completely on the baking sheet after baking. They firm up as they cool and become easier to handle.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. I often make a batch and store them in the freezer. They’re perfect for pulling out whenever I need a last-minute snack or dessert.

Conclusion

These 4-Ingredient Pecan Balls are the perfect mix of simple and satisfying. Whether I serve them as an appetizer, a cookie, or a chocolate-dipped treat, they always get devoured fast. I love how versatile and unfussy they are—just roll, bake, and enjoy. They’re a little bite of buttery, nutty joy that I never get tired of.

Print