Georgia O’Keeffe’s Pecan Butterballs

Ingredients

2 c all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 c butter, softened

1/4 c honey

3 tsp vanilla

2 c finely-chopped pecans

1 c powdered sugar

Instructions

Set the oven temperature to 300˚F.

Take a bowl and sift together 2 cups of flour along, with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

In another bowl combine 1 cup of butter, 1/4 cup of honey and 3 teaspoons of vanilla.

Add the flour mixture into the butter mixture while stirring until blended. Then gently fold in 2 cups of chopped pecans.

Form balls from the dough, 1 inch in size and place them on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Place the cookies in your preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until they turn a delightful golden color.

Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes. Afterward roll each cookie in sugar (1 cup).

Now you can savor these delicious homemade Pecan Butterballs!

Notes:

To make these delicious Pecan Butterballs gluten-free just replace the flour with your gluten-free flour blend. Find a blend that can be used as a substitute, in a 1:1 ratio to ensure your cookies retain their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Also remember to check that the pecans and other ingredients have not come into contact, with any gluten-containing products during processing so as to prevent any cross-contamination.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 24 | SERVING SIZE: 1 cookie

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of flour, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, you can try substituting honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even granulated sugar, although it may affect the taste and texture of the cookies.

How should I store these Pecan Butterballs?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Make sure they are completely cooled before storing.

Can I omit the powdered sugar coating?

Yes, you can skip rolling the cookies in powdered sugar if you prefer.

It’s optional and won’t affect the overall taste of the cookies.

Can I add other ingredients to customize these cookies?

Certainly! You can experiment with adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to customize the flavor of the cookies to your liking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of added salt accordingly to avoid oversalting the dough.

Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?

Absolutely! You can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts instead of pecans, depending on your preference.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze the baked Pecan Butterballs?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of powdered sugar for coating?

You can use granulated sugar, sanding sugar, or even cinnamon sugar for coating if you prefer a different texture or flavor.

Can I use a mixer to make the dough?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to combine the ingredients if you prefer.

Just be careful not to overmix.

How can I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping and baking can help prevent excessive spreading.

Can I add chocolate chips to these Pecan Butterballs?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious variation.

Fold them in along with the chopped pecans.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine as a substitute, keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture of the cookies compared to using butter.

How should I store the baked cookies?

Store the baked Pecan Butterballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.