Name: Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups pecans fine chopped; ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs; ⅔ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons light karo syrup; 2 tablespoons salted butter melted; ¼ teaspoon almond extract; ¾ teaspoon rum extract; 12 ounces chocolate melting discs (Ghirardelli brand recommended); Optional garnish: Holiday themed sprinkles

There’s something irresistibly festive about these bite-sized delights, and that’s why I’m excited to share this Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe with you. The nutty crunch paired with rich, smooth chocolate makes for a truly unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion or just because.

The image shows a white plate with eight round chocolate-covered treats, each topped with red, green, and white small round sprinkles. One treat at the front is cut open, revealing a crumbly, light brown inside with visible small nut pieces. The chocolate coating looks smooth and shiny with some slight texture. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred festive decorations in silver and red, and some sprinkles scattered on the surface near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for snacks that feel indulgent but actually come together quickly — and these Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls hit the mark every time. They combine familiar pecan pie flavors in a fresh, handheld way that people keep asking me to make again.

Easy to Make: No baking involved means less hassle without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Perfect Party Treats: Sized just right for finger foods, making them excellent for gatherings.
Bold Flavors: The blend of maple syrup, almond, and rum extracts gives the filling a depth beyond your typical nut ball.
Customizable Coating: Use your favorite chocolate or festive sprinkles to personalize these beauties.

A white plate holds seven round chocolate-covered balls, each topped with small chocolate sprinkles. Six balls are whole while one is cut in half showing a light brown, crumbly inside with fine nut and cookie bits. Around the plate on white marbled surface are some pecans, chocolate sprinkles, and a jar filled with pecans on the left and a small white bowl filled with chocolate sprinkles on the right. The chocolate coating on the balls is smooth and shiny. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role here, creating that delicate balance of crunch, sweetness, and richness that pecan pie lovers will immediately recognize. Let’s break down what makes this combination so special and some tips to pick the best versions.

Flat lay of finely chopped pecans, a small white ceramic bowl of golden graham cracker crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl holding amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl with light golden karo syrup, a small white ceramic bowl containing melted salted butter, two small white ceramic bowls each with clear almond extract and rum extract, a simple mound of smooth dark chocolate melting discs, and a small white ceramic bowl of colorful holiday themed sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Pecans: Fresh, finely chopped pecans are the star, providing that signature crunch and nutty flavor.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They add a subtle texture and a hint of buttery sweetness, helping the balls hold together.
Brown Sugar: Brings a molasses undertone that deepens the filling’s flavor.
Maple Syrup: I prefer real maple syrup here—it adds a wonderful natural sweetness and complements the nuts beautifully.
Light Karo Syrup: This helps bind everything together with a glossy, chewy texture.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and a slight salt contrast, balancing the sweet ingredients.
Almond Extract: Just a touch gives a warm, aromatic note you won’t want to skip.
Rum Extract: This contributes a subtle boozy flavor without alcohol, rounding out the taste in a luxurious way.
Chocolate Melting Discs: I swear by Ghirardelli discs but any good-quality melting chocolate or almond bark works wonders to coat these balls smoothly.
Optional Holiday Sprinkles: Perfect for adding a festive, colorful pop if you’re serving at celebrations.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe by switching up the coatings or trying different extracts to suit the season or mood. Feel free to make it your own — cooking is all about what makes you happy!

Variation: I sometimes swap out the rum extract for vanilla during the holidays when I want a creamier, more familiar flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Using coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate melts keeps these treats accessible but just as delicious.
Nut Mix-In: For a crunchy twist, try adding some toasted chopped walnuts or even dried cherries for a little zing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Start by combining the chopped pecans, graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, maple syrup, light karo syrup, melted butter, almond extract, and rum extract in a large bowl. I use a sturdy wooden spoon to mix everything until it’s fully combined. Don’t rush this step — you want every bite to have an even, rich flavor. Then pop it in the fridge covered for at least 2 hours to firm up.

Step 2: Form the Balls

Once chilled, use a 2-inch cookie scoop to get consistent portions. Here’s my little secret: wet your hands with warm water before rolling. It keeps the mixture from sticking and helps you shape tight, neat balls that won’t fall apart when dipped. Place each ball gently on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Dip in Chocolate

Melt your chocolate discs in a medium bowl according to package instructions, stirring until silky smooth. If you like, try a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to avoid scorching. Use a fork to gently dip each pecan ball, turning it to coat fully. I’ve found this method keeps them intact while giving a beautiful, even chocolate shell. Once coated, set them back on the parchment.

Step 4: Add Sprinkles & Chill

If you want, add festive sprinkles right after dipping while the chocolate’s still soft. Then, pop the tray in the refrigerator for about 2 hours until the chocolate hardens completely. Be patient here — this chilling step is what gives you that satisfying chocolate snap!

Top Tip

From my experience making these treats multiple times, a few key tips really make your Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe shine—knowing them helped me avoid pitfalls and get consistent results.

Hand Wetting Trick: Wet hands help you shape balls cleanly without sticky fingers or crumbling.
Chocolate Melting Care: Be gentle while melting chocolate—too hot and it seizes, too cool and it won’t coat smoothly. Stir often!
Firm Chilling: Allow the filling to chill well before forming balls; it’s easier to work with and holds shape better.
Sprinkle Timing: Add sprinkles right after dipping, while chocolate’s still wet, or they won’t stick.

How to Serve Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with holiday-themed sprinkles—they add such a cheerful, colorful touch that instantly lifts the presentation. Sometimes, I toss a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate before chilling to contrast the sweetness.

Side Dishes

These pecan pie balls pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot tea. For gatherings, I like to serve them alongside a cheese platter or fresh fruit to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange these on tiered dessert stands or nestled in mini cupcake liners to make them feel super fancy — perfect for holiday parties or gifting. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane with a ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade gift, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pecan pie balls uncovered in the refrigerator—this keeps the chocolate shell crisp without sweating. In my experience, they stay fresh and tasty for up to five days.

Freezing

These balls freeze wonderfully if you want to make a big batch ahead. I wrap each one individually in wax paper and pop them in an airtight container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

Because these are best enjoyed cold, I don’t recommend reheating. If you want to soften the chocolate, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often make the pecan mixture and shape the balls a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated and dip in chocolate right before serving or storing.

What kind of chocolate is best for coating?

I prefer chocolate melting discs or almond bark because they melt smoothly and harden with a nice shine. If you can only find chocolate chips, add a little coconut oil or shortening to help with melting and coating.

Can I substitute extracts if I don’t have rum or almond extract?

Definitely! Vanilla extract works great as a substitute for rum extract, and you can skip almond extract if needed, though it does add a lovely warm flavor I recommend trying at least once.

Do I have to use Karo syrup, or can I use something else?

You can replace the light Karo syrup with a bit more maple syrup if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly softer, but it still tastes delicious and keeps the recipe natural.

Final Thoughts

There’s a real charm in how this Chocolate Coated Pecan Pie Balls Recipe pulls together classic pie flavors in such a bite-sized, shareable treat. I’ve enjoyed making them for everything from quiet weekends to festive parties, and friends always look forward to these brownies in ball form. Give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat!