Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor or blender, pulse the pecans until finely chopped.
3. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour to the mixing bowl and mix until a dough forms.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the balls for 12-15 minutes or until set.
9. Let the balls cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, roll the balls in powdered sugar until coated.
11. Store the chocolate pecan balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F (175°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 24 balls
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 130
Total fat: 9g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pecans: Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
- Butter: Margarine or shortening can be used instead of butter.
- Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar.
- All-purpose flour: Gluten-free flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolate flavor.
- Replace the pecans with hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the powdered sugar-coated balls for a fancier presentation.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth dough.
- Don't overmix the dough once the flour is added to prevent tough balls.
- Use a cookie scoop to make uniform-sized balls.
Storage instructions:
Store the chocolate pecan balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The chocolate pecan balls can be reheated in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the chocolate pecan balls on a platter and dust them with extra powdered sugar for a festive look.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped pecans or cocoa powder over the powdered sugar-coated balls for added texture and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve the chocolate pecan balls with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
The chocolate pecan balls can be served as a dessert on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to moisten it.
- If the balls spread too much during baking, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling them into balls.
Food safety advice:
Store the chocolate pecan balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to prevent spoilage.
Food history:
Chocolate pecan balls are a classic holiday treat that originated in the southern United States.
Flavor profiles:
The chocolate pecan balls have a rich chocolate flavor with a nutty crunch from the pecans.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the chocolate pecan balls as a sweet treat after dinner or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Taste: Rich, Sweet, Nutty, Chocolatey