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Maple Pecan Butterballs

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If you’re craving a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for the holidays (or any time of year), these Maple Pecan Butterballs are just what you need. These buttery, nutty cookies are infused with the warm, rich flavor of maple syrup, and each bite offers a delightful crunch from the pecans, balanced by the soft, meltaway texture of the cookie. They’re easy to make and ideal for sharing with family and friends or giving as a homemade gift.

What makes these butterballs so special is their melt-in-your-mouth texture and the sweet, comforting flavor of maple. The pecans add a lovely nutty crunch, and the powdered sugar coating gives each cookie a delightful sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want a simple treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

I first made these Maple Pecan Butterballs when I wanted to make something a little different from the usual holiday cookies. The combination of maple and pecans created a unique flavor that instantly became a favorite in my household. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Why These Maple Pecan Butterballs Will Be Your New Favorite

  • Melt-in-your-mouth texture: The buttery cookies are soft and tender, practically melting in your mouth with every bite.
  • Maple flavor: The maple syrup adds a unique and comforting flavor that elevates these cookies above your average butterball.
  • Simple to make: With just a few ingredients, these cookies are easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
  • Nutty and sweet: The pecans add a delicious crunch and depth of flavor, while the powdered sugar coating gives the perfect touch of sweetness.
  • Perfect for gifting: These cookies are ideal for giving as gifts or sharing at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 tsp salt

How to Make Maple Pecan Butterballs

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Cream the butter and maple syrup: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, powdered sugar, and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
  4. Add the pecans: Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  5. Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake the cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
  7. Cool and coat with powdered sugar: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm, ensuring they are fully coated.
  8. Serve and enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your Maple Pecan Butterballs with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

Tips

  • Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft to handle, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to shape.
  • Use fresh maple syrup: For the best flavor, use pure maple syrup rather than imitation syrup.
  • Finely chop the pecans: Finely chopped pecans work best for these cookies, as larger pieces may make the dough harder to work with.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Other nuts: You can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
  • Make them gluten-free: To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  • Chocolate variation: For an added twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for a chocolate-maple combination.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Use coconut oil: For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil.
  • Reduce sugar: To reduce the sugar content, you can cut back slightly on the powdered sugar used in the dough and for coating the cookies.
  • Use whole wheat flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier, fiber-rich option.

Closing

And there you have it! These Maple Pecan Butterballs are the perfect combination of buttery, nutty, and sweet flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just as a cozy snack, these cookies will bring smiles to everyone’s face. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and check out more of our delicious and easy holiday recipes for more sweet inspirations!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just roll the dough into balls and bake as directed.
  2. Can I freeze these cookies?
    Yes, you can freeze the cookies after baking. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them before serving.
  3. Can I use a different nut in these cookies?
    Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor.
  4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 with regular flour.
  5. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
    Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
  6. How do I store these cookies?
    Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.
  7. Can I make these cookies without maple syrup?
    While maple syrup is key to the flavor, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.
  8. How do I know when the cookies are done?
    The cookies are done when the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
  9. Can I add chocolate to these cookies?
    Yes! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or mix in some mini chocolate chips into the dough for a chocolate-maple twist.
  10. How do I get the cookies to stay round when baking?
    If you want perfectly round cookies, you can chill the dough before rolling it into balls to prevent spreading.
  11. Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?
    Yes, a stand mixer works great for mixing the dough, but be careful not to overmix once you add the flour. Mixing just until combined will help keep the cookies soft.
  12. Can I use a different sugar for rolling the cookies?
    Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar or even cinnamon sugar to roll the cookies if you want to try a variation.
Maple Pecan Butterballs
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Maple Pecan Butterballs

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

 

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 maple syrup

  • 1 tsp 1 vanilla extract

  • 2 cups 2 all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 powdered sugar, plus extra for coating

  • 1 cup 1 finely chopped pecans

  • 1/4 tsp 1/4 salt

Directions

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Cream the butter and maple syrup: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the maple syrup and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, powdered sugar, and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
  • Add the pecans: Fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Shape the cookies: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake the cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are just beginning to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
  • Cool and coat with powdered sugar: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm, ensuring they are fully coated.
  • Serve and enjoy: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your Maple Pecan Butterballs with a warm cup of tea or coffee!

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