Name: Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted for enhanced flavor); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar for rolling

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a truly delightful treat that combines buttery richness with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, then Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs are the perfect choice. These charming little cookies melt in your mouth, offering the ideal balance of soft texture and nutty flavor. Whether you are baking for a festive occasion or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, these pecan butterballs will warm your heart and tickle your taste buds every single time.

Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to capture the classic flavor and texture that make Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs so irresistible. Each component plays a unique role, from the creamy softness of butter to the toasty crunch of pecans.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Soft butter ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This classic flavor boost rounds out the richness of the butter.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and softness in every bite.
1 cup finely chopped pecans: Toasting before chopping intensifies the warm, nutty flavor.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.
1/2 cup additional powdered sugar (optional for rolling): Creates a delicate sugary coating that adds an extra touch of sweetness and charm.

How to Make Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs

Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Cream butter and powdered sugar

In a mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key because it aerates the dough, giving your butterballs a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add vanilla extract

Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly. This little splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth, making the flavor more complex and inviting.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the butter mixture while stirring, keeping the dough consistent and easy to handle.

Step 5: Shape the dough into balls

Use your hands to roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them evenly on the baking sheet, giving each cookie enough space to bake evenly and hold its shape.

Step 6: Bake until lightly golden

Bake the pecan butterballs for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on the bottoms to catch that perfect light golden hue, which signals they’re wonderfully baked through.

Step 7: Cool the cookies

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for around 5 minutes. This brief rest helps them firm up slightly, making it easier to transfer them without breaking.

Step 8: Optional powdered sugar coating

Once completely cooled, roll the butterballs in the additional powdered sugar for a snowy, sweet finish that adds to the presentation and flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended if you love a little extra sweetness.

How to Serve Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs

Garnishes

To elevate your Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon or drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the top. These subtle garnishes add a festive flair and complement the nutty, buttery flavor wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve these luscious butterballs alongside a steaming cup of black coffee or robust chai tea to balance their sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad, making for a versatile treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, arrange your Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs in decorative tins or on rustic wooden platters lined with colorful parchment paper. Add edible flowers or fresh pecan halves to the presentation to make your treat table truly memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your pecan butterballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their soft, buttery texture, so you can enjoy them over several days.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. Wrap the dough balls tightly in plastic wrap or freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs warm, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This reheats them gently without drying them out, letting you enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven feel anytime.

FAQs

Can I use roasted pecans instead of toasting raw ones?

Yes, you can use pre-roasted pecans. However, toasting raw pecans yourself just before chopping brings out the freshest, most vibrant flavor, which makes a noticeable difference.

Are Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs gluten-free?

Not as listed, since they use all-purpose flour. To make them gluten-free, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is essential here for flavor and texture. Margarine might work in a pinch, but oil will change the cookie’s consistency, making it less firm and crumbly.

Why roll the butterballs in powdered sugar?

The powdered sugar coating adds a delicate sweetness and a lovely finish, highlighting the nutty and buttery flavors while giving the cookies a beautiful appearance.

How do I prevent my butterballs from spreading too much during baking?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft. Also, rolling the dough into tight balls helps maintain shape while baking.

Final Thoughts

Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs are one of those timeless recipes that brings people together with their comforting flavors and simple elegance. Once you try them, you’ll see why they’re a treasured favorite in many kitchens. Grab your ingredients, dive into this fun baking process, and experience these buttery pecan delights that promise cozy smiles with every bite.

Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Georgia OKeeffes Pecan Butterballs are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies featuring rich butter, toasted pecans, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet afternoon treat, these buttery pecan delights combine a tender crumb with a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness and charm.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted for enhanced flavor)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional

1/2 cup additional powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, ensuring a smooth base for the cookies.
Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated, providing a warm, aromatic flavor to the dough.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped toasted pecans, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing.
Form Dough Balls: Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, then place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for slight spreading.
Bake: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden, indicating that they are perfectly baked but still tender inside.
Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Sugar Coating: Once cooled, gently roll each cookie in the additional powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.

Notes

Toasting pecans before chopping brings out a richer nutty flavor and improves texture.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while still slightly warm can create a more uniform coating.
Use room temperature butter to ensure better creaming results and tender cookies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American