Christmas is a time for traditions, and what better way to celebrate the holidays than with a classic recipe from the 1970s? These Christmas chocolate balls are a delicious and nostalgic treat that will transport you back in time. Made with simple ingredients and easy to prepare, they are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Add the chocolate chips and pecans and mix until evenly distributed.
- Using a small cookie scoop, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll the balls in confectioners’ sugar until evenly coated.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 ball
Calories: 110
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 25mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small cookie scoop
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas chocolate balls are perfect for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat for your family and friends. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a delicious and nostalgic snack.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try adding different mix-ins to the dough, such as white chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped almonds. You could also roll the balls in coconut flakes or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Substitutions
If you don’t have pecans on hand, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. You could also substitute the semisweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
Storage
Store the Christmas chocolate balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is softened before beginning the recipe.
- Don’t overmix the dough, or your cookies will be tough.
- Use a small cookie scoop to ensure uniform size and shape.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Roll the balls in confectioners’ sugar while they are still slightly warm to ensure the sugar sticks.
Notes
This recipe makes approximately 36 cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
You can use salted butter in this recipe, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe to compensate.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
These Christmas chocolate balls are a nostalgic and delicious treat that are sure to bring back memories of holidays past. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season. So why not give them a try and add a touch of retro charm to your holiday baking?