ADVERTISEMENT
remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends
#### **Step 2: Make the Dough**
1. **Cream the butter and maple syrup**: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The maple syrup will add a nice depth of flavor to the cookies.
2. **Add the dry ingredients**: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Mix until a dough starts to form. You may need to use your hands toward the end to fully combine the ingredients.
3. **Add the toasted pecans**: Gently fold in the toasted pecans and vanilla extract. Be careful not to overmix the dough—just incorporate the pecans evenly throughout the mixture.
#### **Step 3: Shape the Cookies**
1. **Form the dough balls**: Scoop out small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
2. **Bake the cookies**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. These cookies don’t spread much, so the shape you create will hold.
3. **Cool slightly**: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set before rolling them in powdered sugar.
#### **Step 4: Roll in Powdered Sugar**
1. **Coat with powdered sugar**: While the cookies are still warm (but not too hot), roll them in powdered sugar to coat the outside. You can place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and gently roll the cookies around, making sure they are evenly coated.
2. **Cool completely**: After coating the cookies with powdered sugar, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. As they cool, the sugar coating will harden slightly, adding to the delicious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. **Serve your cookies**: Once completely cool, your Maple Pecan Butterballs are ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled.
### **Why You’ll Love Maple Pecan Butterballs**
– **Melt-in-your-mouth goodness**: The texture of these butterballs is truly special—soft, delicate, and just the right amount of crumbly. The butter and maple syrup come together to create a cookie that’s wonderfully light, while the toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch.
– **Subtle maple flavor**: The pure maple syrup gives these cookies a subtle sweetness that’s far superior to the artificial flavors often found in holiday treats. It’s a flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans, creating a perfect balance.
– **Simple and quick**: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these Maple Pecan Butterballs are easy to make, even for beginner bakers. They bake quickly and don’t require complicated techniques, making them the perfect treat to whip up in a hurry for holiday gatherings.
– **Festive and fun**: Dusted with powdered sugar, these cookies have a snow-like appearance that makes them perfect for the holiday season. Their delightful flavor and pretty presentation make them a great addition to cookie trays or holiday dessert tables.
– **Customizable**: You can adjust the recipe to your liking by swapping in different nuts (like walnuts or almonds) or adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra festive flair.
### **Tips for the Best Maple Pecan Butterballs**
– **Use good-quality maple syrup**: Since maple syrup is one of the key ingredients in these cookies, using a high-quality, pure maple syrup will really elevate the flavor. Avoid imitation maple syrup for the best taste.
– **Don’t skip toasting the pecans**: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor. Even if you’re in a hurry, don’t skip this step!
– **Roll the cookies in sugar while they’re warm**: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar when they’re still warm allows the sugar to stick better, ensuring a nice, even coating.
– **Make them ahead**: These cookies can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and thaw them as needed for holiday parties or gatherings.
### **Conclusion**
Maple Pecan Butterballs are a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire, offering the perfect balance of rich butter, sweet maple, and crunchy pecans. These cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and dusted with powdered sugar to give them a festive, snow-covered look. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just to enjoy a treat with your family, these irresistible cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
Make sure to add **Maple Pecan Butterballs** to your holiday baking list this year, and enjoy the sweet, nutty flavors of the season in every bite!
