Introduction:
These Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls are the perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends. Combining the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these bite-sized delights are reminiscent of a pecan pie but in a fun and easy-to-make form. With a hint of holiday spice and festive appeal, they’re the ideal addition to your Christmas dessert table or as a homemade gift!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups of crushed graham crackers (about 10 graham cracker sheets)
1 cup of chopped pecans
1 ½ cups of powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
½ teaspoon of cinnamon (optional, for a holiday twist)
1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
Instructions
Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, powdered sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Add cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or your hands until the mixture is cohesive and sticky.
Form the balls: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Make the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter together. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
Coat the balls: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Use a fork to remove each ball and tap it gently to remove any excess chocolate. Place back onto the parchment-lined sheet.
Chill: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated pecan pie balls for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, the balls are ready to serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings together all the best flavors of the season. The graham cracker and pecan base creates a familiar pecan pie texture, while the creamy, rich center and chocolate coating add indulgence. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bite-sized treats can be made ahead and enjoyed all season long.
Tips
Make them ahead: These balls can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making them great for holiday parties.
Customize the coating: Instead of semi-sweet chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate for different flavor profiles.
Chill the dough: If the mixture becomes too sticky while rolling into balls, chill it for about 10-15 minutes before shaping.
Decorate with sprinkles: Add a festive touch by sprinkling chopped pecans, red and green holiday sprinkles, or drizzling white chocolate over the finished balls.
Variations
Add caramel: Incorporate a bit of caramel sauce into the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Make it boozy: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the mixture for a holiday kick.
Use other nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Corrections
Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; otherwise, it will be harder to combine with the dry ingredients.
If the chocolate coating is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin it out.
Enjoy!
These Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls are the ultimate sweet treat for your holiday celebrations. Rich, nutty, and perfectly chocolatey, they will become a favorite festive dessert you’ll make year after year!