Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Festive Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet memories often spark when crafting these delightful christmas chocolate pecan pie balls that melt in your mouth.

Nutty pecans dance with rich chocolate, creating a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

Compact and irresistible, these bite-sized delicacies promise pure indulgence without complicated kitchen techniques.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly to produce a dessert that looks professionally made.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the smooth texture and intense flavor profile.

Each ball delivers a concentrated burst of seasonal joy that feels luxurious yet simple.

Pack these delectable morsels for gifts or enjoy them alongside warm beverages during cozy winter evenings.

Let the magic of this recipe inspire you to create something truly special.

How To Make Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls

Step 1: Grind Pecans into Fine Powder

Toss pecans into a food processor and pulse until they transform into a delicate, uniform powder with a soft, sandy consistency.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gather the ground pecans, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs in a spacious mixing bowl, gently stirring to create an even distribution.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Warm butter in a small saucepan over gentle heat, then introduce sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and perfectly blended.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring consistently until a cohesive, pliable dough emerges that holds together effortlessly.

Step 5: Chill the Mixture

Place the mixture in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, allowing it to firm up and become more manageable for shaping.

Step 6: Shape into Delightful Spheres

Using clean hands, roll the chilled mixture into small, consistent balls, positioning them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Melt Chocolate Coating

Gently melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally to achieve a silky, glossy finish.

Step 8: Dip and Coat

Carefully immerse each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage and allowing excess chocolate to gracefully drip away.

Step 9: Add Pecan Crunch

Immediately sprinkle crushed pecans over the chocolate-covered balls before the coating begins to set.

Step 10: Dust with Elegance

Softly dust the completed balls with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for a festive and sophisticated appearance.

Step 11: Final Chill

Refrigerate the chocolate pecan pie balls for at least 30 minutes, allowing the coating to solidify and flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips For The Best Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Every Time

  • Grind Pecans Precisely: Use a food processor to create a fine, uniform texture that ensures smooth, consistent base mixture without lumps.
  • Control Chocolate Coating: Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning, achieving a glossy, even coverage for professional-looking pecan balls.
  • Chill for Perfect Shape: Refrigerate mixture before rolling to make handling easier and help balls maintain compact, round form during preparation.
  • Balance Chocolate Dipping: Allow excess chocolate to drip off gently to create a thin, elegant coating that doesn't overwhelm the delicate pecan flavor.
  • Garnish Strategically: Sprinkle crushed pecans immediately after dipping while chocolate is still wet, ensuring maximum adherence and visual appeal.

Festive Twists On Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for plant-based treat.
  • Nut-Free Alternative: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or rolled oats to accommodate nut allergies while maintaining similar texture.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and replace sweetened condensed milk with a sugar-free alternative or unsweetened coconut cream.

Tasty Pairings With Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls

  • Pair Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls with Rich Bourbon Whiskey: Smooth, caramel-noted bourbon complements the deep chocolate and nutty pecan flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Serve Alongside Vanilla Bean Espresso: The bold espresso's intense coffee notes cut through the sweetness while enhancing the chocolate's richness, providing a perfect palate cleanser.
  • Match with Cinnamon-Spiced Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine with warm cinnamon undertones amplifies the dessert's nutty complexity and chocolate depth, offering a sophisticated flavor harmony.
  • Complement with Cold Cream Liqueur: Creamy Irish cream or similar liqueur provides a silky, smooth counterpoint to the chocolate's intensity, creating a decadent dessert pairing.

How To Store Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls

  • Nestle chocolate pecan pie balls in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 7 days, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
  • Carefully place chocolate-coated balls in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they don't touch. Freeze for 2-3 months, preserving their rich taste and creamy consistency.
  • Allow treats to sit at ambient temperature for maximum 2 hours. Extended exposure might compromise chocolate coating and cause potential texture changes.
  • Gently thaw frozen treats in refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore optimal taste and smooth chocolate shell.

Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Q&A

  • What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

Pecans, chocolate chips, graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, butter, vanilla extract, dark chocolate, and powdered sugar are the main ingredients that create these delicious pecan balls.

  • Are these pecan balls suitable for special occasions?

Yes, these chocolate-covered pecan balls are perfect for holidays, parties, or as a sweet gift, offering an elegant and decadent treat that looks impressive and tastes amazing.

  • How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This recipe is relatively easy and beginner-friendly, requiring basic kitchen skills like mixing, melting chocolate, and rolling balls, making it accessible for most home cooks with minimal baking experience.

Why Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Taste Like A Treat From Santa

  • Craft with Ease: No complicated kitchen skills needed, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Quick No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and create delicious treats in minimal steps without complex techniques.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Impressive chocolate pecan dessert balls that look professionally made and taste incredible, sure to wow guests at gatherings.
  • Versatile Sweet Treat: Adaptable recipe that works for multiple occasions like holiday parties, potlucks, gift-giving, or simple weekend indulgence.

What You’ll Need For Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls

For the Base:
  • Pecans: Provide a nutty foundation and texture for the recipe.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add richness and sweet chocolate flavor to the mixture.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Create a classic, crumbly base that binds ingredients together.
For the Liquid Binders:
  • Butter: Helps blend ingredients and adds a smooth, rich quality.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps create a cohesive mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
For the Coating and Finishing:
  • Dark Chocolate: Creates a luxurious outer shell for the balls.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds a delicate, elegant finish to the dessert.
  • Crushed Pecans: Provide a decorative and crunchy exterior topping.
Print
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Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful christmas chocolate pecan pie balls blend sweet Southern charm with festive holiday spirit. Small spheres of nutty, chocolatey goodness melt in your mouth, inviting pure indulgence and seasonal celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup crushed pecans (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Pulse pecans in a food processor until finely ground, creating a uniform texture for a smooth base mixture.
  2. Combine ground pecans, chocolate chips, and graham cracker crumbs in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  3. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until thoroughly blended.
  4. Pour the warm liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until a cohesive, moldable consistency forms.
  5. Refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape into compact balls.
  6. Roll the chilled mixture into small, uniform spheres using clean hands, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Gently melt dark chocolate using a double boiler or microwave, stirring occasionally to achieve a smooth, glossy texture.
  8. Carefully dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring complete coverage, and allow excess chocolate to drip off.
  9. Immediately sprinkle crushed pecans over the chocolate-coated balls before the coating sets.
  10. Dust the completed balls with powdered sugar for a festive, elegant finish.
  11. Chill the chocolate pecan pie balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to solidify the coating and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

  • Finely grinding pecans ensures a smooth, consistent texture that helps bind the ingredients together perfectly.
  • Using room temperature butter allows for easier mixing and creates a more uniform base mixture.
  • Chilling the mixture before shaping helps prevent sticky hands and makes rolling balls much easier and more precise.
  • Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a richer, more decadent coating that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • For gluten-free version, replace graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Make ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them ideal for holiday preparation.
  • Experiment with different chocolate coatings like milk or white chocolate for variety and personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Rolling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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