Begin by finely chopping your pecans. You can do this by hand with a sharp knife or, for a quicker method, pulse them in a food processor. You want the pecans in small pieces to blend seamlessly into the dough, creating that satisfying crunch without overpowering the other ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pecans, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together until everything is well-mixed. The cinnamon will add a warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with the pecans, while the powdered sugar will sweeten the mix and help bind everything.

In a separate bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or on the stove, just make sure it’s completely melted before moving on to the next step. Then, add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the melted butter and stir to combine. These wet ingredients will bring a rich, buttery flavor to the Pecan Pie Balls.

Pour the melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. You should have a thick, slightly sticky dough. If it feels too dry or crumbly, add a bit more maple syrup or butter, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together well enough to roll into balls.

Now comes the fun part—shaping your Pecan Pie Balls! Scoop out about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball using your hands. Set each rolled ball onto a tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round—this is homemade, and a little rustic charm is part of the appeal!

Place the tray of pecan balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up. Chilling the balls helps them hold their shape and ensures the flavors have time to meld together, making each bite even more delicious.

If you want to add an extra layer of indulgence, roll the chilled Pecan Pie Balls in melted chocolate or chopped pecans. To do this, simply melt some chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, dip each ball, and then roll it in finely chopped pecans for added texture and flavor. This step is optional but adds an extra touch of decadence!

After chilling and coating (if desired), your Pecan Pie Balls are ready to serve! They’re perfect for a sweet treat anytime, a festive addition to a dessert platter, or as a simple gift wrapped in a cute box. Just be ready for them to disappear quickly—they’re that good!