Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls – A Bite-Sized Southern Treat

There’s something magical about the holiday season—the smell of pecans roasting, the sound of laughter around the kitchen, and the joy of bringing sweet treats to the table. One recipe that always captures the heart of the season is Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls. They’re rich, nutty, chocolatey, and perfectly portioned into little bites that melt in your mouth. Think of them as the candy version of classic pecan pie, but without the fuss of rolling dough or baking for hours.

These pecan pie balls embody everything we love about Southern desserts: warmth, sweetness, and the irresistible crunch of pecans. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving dessert trays, Christmas cookie swaps, or just a cozy night by the fire, these little truffles will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups finely chopped pecans (plus extra for rolling)
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (for dipping)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening (to thin chocolate, optional)
• Granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar. Stir until evenly mixed.
2. Add the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes together and holds when pressed.
3. Scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll into balls using clean hands. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Chill the pecan balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Melt the chocolate with coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
6. Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, coating evenly. Let excess drip off before placing them back on the parchment paper.
7. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with granulated sugar and chopped pecans for garnish.
8. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 1 hour.
9. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Tips & Tricks:

• Toast your pecans before using them for extra depth of flavor.
• If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more corn syrup until it binds.
• For a festive touch, drizzle white chocolate over the finished truffles.

Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls

No-bake bite-sized truffles with the flavor of pecan pie, coated in chocolate and sprinkled with sugar and nuts.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 24 balls

Course: Candy, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 190

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pecan Pie Ball Mixture

• 2 cups finely chopped pecans plus extra for rolling
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• 0.5 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp salt

Chocolate Coating

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate for dipping
• 2 tbsp coconut oil or shortening optional
• granulated sugar for rolling, optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Microwave-safe bowl

Method

 

1. Combine chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl.
2. Add corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Stir until mixture binds together.
3. Roll into 1-tbsp sized balls and place on parchment-lined sheet.
4. Chill for 30 minutes to firm.
5. Melt chocolate with coconut oil until smooth.
6. Dip chilled balls in chocolate, let excess drip off, and place back on sheet.
7. Sprinkle with sugar and chopped pecans before chocolate sets.
8. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.

Notes

For best flavor, toast pecans lightly before mixing.

Variations:

• Roll in powdered sugar or cocoa instead of dipping in chocolate.
• Add a splash of bourbon for a grown-up version.
• Swap graham crackers with vanilla wafer crumbs for a slightly different taste.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve on a holiday candy tray alongside fudge, peanut butter balls, and peppermint bark. They also make lovely edible gifts—just wrap them in small tins with parchment paper.

Storage Information:
These pecan pie balls last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQ:

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, they’re perfect for prepping days in advance.
• Do I need to bake them? Nope! This is a no-bake treat.
• Can I use dark chocolate? Absolutely—choose your favorite chocolate.

History / Fun Facts:
The pecan pie dates back to the late 1800s, rooted in Southern cooking traditions where pecans were abundant. Turning it into a candy ball is a modern twist, making the dessert portable and party-friendly. These pecan pie balls take inspiration from Pioneer Woman’s simple, heartwarming recipes that turn everyday ingredients into family treasures.