If you’re in the mood for a showstopping holiday treat that’s outrageously delicious and stunningly festive, then you absolutely have to try these Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls. Imagine all the gooey, nutty richness of a pecan pie—but rolled into a bite-sized, chocolate-draped wonder with a hint of cinnamon and a sparkle of holiday cheer. They’re the perfect no-bake dessert for potlucks, Christmas parties, or just cozying up by the twinkle lights with a cup of cocoa. And the best part? Every single ingredient serves up nostalgia, comfort, and a serious wow-factor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls is how a handful of simple ingredients transforms into pure holiday bliss. Each item brings its unique character, from crunchy pecans and sweet dates to the deep, glossy chocolate coating. Don’t skip a single one—they all play a delicious role.
- Pecans: Finely chopped pecans give an irresistible buttery crunch and classic pie flavor; toast them for even more depth.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These provide a soft, pie-like texture that absorbs sweetness and holds the mixture together beautifully.
- Medjool dates: Soft, sticky, and naturally sweet, dates help bind everything while adding that caramel-like richness.
- Maple syrup: A drizzle of this golden syrup gives the filling natural sweetness along with warm, earthy undertones.
- Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings everything to life—vanilla rounds out the nutty, chocolaty notes perfectly.
- Cinnamon: A subtle sprinkle infuses these bites with cozy spice, making them taste oh-so-Christmasy.
- Salt: Just enough salt keeps the sweetness in check and amplifies all the other flavors.
- Dark or semi-sweet chocolate: Melted for coating, it adds decadence and a beautiful glossy finish; choose your favorite or even try milk or white chocolate.
- Holiday sprinkles: The finishing touch for festive flair—pick bright, sparkly ones to make your balls truly pop!
How to Make Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, chopped Medjool dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well with a spatula or your hands until everything is thoroughly combined and forms a sticky, cohesive dough. You should be able to pinch the mixture and have it hold together easily, thanks to those naturally sticky dates and syrup.
Step 2: Roll the Balls
Scoop out about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it between your hands to form 1-inch balls. Place each ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go. Little hands love helping with this step, and perfectly round balls will help when it’s time to dip them in chocolate.
Step 3: Chill Until Firm
Pop the tray of rolled balls into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This quick chill ensures the balls become firm enough to handle the chocolate coating, so they won’t crumble or lose their shape in the process.
Step 4: Melt Chocolate
While your balls are chilling, melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring after each round until it’s smooth and glossy. Melting it in intervals keeps the chocolate from scorching and gives you beautiful dipping consistency.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Using a fork or dipping tool, drop each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, gently rolling to coat evenly. Let any excess drip off, then place the chocolate-dipped ball back on the parchment. While the chocolate is still wet, shower the tops with holiday sprinkles—you want them to stick and add that irresistible festive sparkle!
Step 6: Set and Store
Once all the balls are coated and decorated, refrigerate them until the chocolate is fully set and crisp. Store your finished Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container in the fridge, ready for whenever your holiday sweet tooth strikes.
How to Serve Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls
Garnishes
Dress up your Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls on a beautiful platter with extra holiday sprinkles, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even little edible gold stars. For extra decadence, try a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top once the base coat has set—instant bakery vibes!
Side Dishes
These treats are rich and satisfying on their own, but they’re even more delightful alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a creamy eggnog, or strong coffee. For a full dessert platter, add slices of spiced loaf cake or bowls of fresh winter berries to mix up flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each ball in festive foil or nestle them in mini cupcake liners for perfect gift-giving. Create a rustic dessert board with sugared cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a magical centerpiece. Or, stack them in a glass jar with a ribbon for a gorgeous homemade holiday present that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls in an airtight container and stash them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep wonderfully for up to a week—just separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking and keep the chocolate pristine.
Freezing
Yes, these freeze brilliantly! Pop them on a tray to freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just let them thaw in the fridge when you’re ready to share or snack.
Reheating
No need to reheat; these are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer a softer center, let them sit out of the fridge for 5-10 minutes before serving. The chocolate coating will stay snappy while the inside becomes perfectly chewy.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work beautifully and bring their own unique flavor, but to keep the spirit of classic pecan pie, pecans are always my top pick for Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls.
Are these gluten-free?
If you swap in gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, your Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls can be completely gluten-free. Just double check all your ingredient labels to keep things 100 percent safe for everyone at the table.
Can I make them ahead for gifting?
Definitely! These are perfect for making ahead, as they store well in the fridge or freezer. Package them up in cute tins or boxes just before gifting so the chocolate stays glossy and the flavors remain fresh.
What’s the easiest way to chop dates?
For sticky dates, use a sharp knife and dust the blade with a little flour or powdered sugar to keep things from getting too gummy. You can also pulse them with the graham cracker crumbs in a food processor for quick, even pieces.
Can I use milk or white chocolate for coating?
Absolutely! While dark and semi-sweet chocolate offer rich contrast, milk or white chocolate will make your Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls extra sweet and give you fun color options for the holidays.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste a batch of these Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls, you’ll see why they’ve become a holiday essential in my kitchen. They’re just as much fun to make as they are to eat, and every little bite delivers big festive flavor. Grab your ingredients, gather some friends or family, and let these no-bake beauties become the bright, merry highlight of this year’s dessert table!
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Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 20 balls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie Balls are a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of pecan pie with rich dark chocolate. These no-bake, bite-sized balls are perfect for festive gatherings or as homemade gifts.
Ingredients
Pecan Pie Balls:
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted and finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Coating and Decoration:
- 10 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Balls: In a large bowl, mix together pecans, graham cracker crumbs, dates, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until a sticky dough forms.
- Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Coat with Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Add Sprinkles: Place the coated balls back on the sheet and top with holiday sprinkles immediately.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until the chocolate is set. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
- You can toast the pecans for extra flavor.
- For a sweeter version, add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the filling.
- White chocolate or milk chocolate can be used as coating alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
