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My Gluten-Free Pecan Puffs are the best, tender, crumbly, melt-in-the-mouth cookie that you will ever eat.
Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they are also difficult to resist. Serve them at morning tea, after dinner with a cup of coffee or as a great sweet treat at any time.
These cookies are light-as-a-cloud buttery shortbreads, given texture and flavour by the addition of ground pecans. Serve them to family and friends and you will discover they are enormously popular.
Cookies similar to these Pecan Puffs are also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Teacakes, Kourabiedes or Snowballs.
These traditional cookies feature at many different ethnic celebrations. However, this cookie by any other name is still delicious.
My mum, Faye, was making these Pecan Puffs before I was born. She is not certain of the origin of the recipe, remembering that it was in an American magazine with a special supplement on Christmas baking. Whilst the magazine has long gone, I am delighted that the recipe has been kept. It is so popular with family and friends that we make it regularly, quite often for Christmas. We have slightly adapted the original recipe to make it gluten-free.
I have also adapted the method to use a food processor making the Pecan Puffs very easy to prepare. Initially, I grind the nuts to a coarse powder. It is best if they are not too finely ground; they add a very pleasant texture to the tender shortbread. I add the remainder of the ingredients and blend until the dough just comes together. After resting the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, I roll it into small balls and then bake them until golden. I roll them in icing/confectioners’ sugar and return them to the oven for a further three minutes. The additional time in the oven helps set the sugar coating.
Although this is a simple recipe, there are a few tips to keep in mind to achieve the best result.
Firstly, it is important to not grind the pecans too fine. Take care when grinding them. If you take them too far you will end up with pecan butter. Secondly, you need to have the butter at cool room temperature. This will ensure that the ingredients combine easily. Further, after mixing the dough I chill it for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up making it easier to roll into balls. Finally, the step of rolling the baked Pecan Puffs in icing/confectioners’ sugar is an important one. It helps the sugar to adhere to the cookie.
Here in Australia, we are generally less familiar with the pecan nut than other nuts.
The pecan is native to North America and is related to the walnut. It is perhaps best known in Australia for its use in the wonderful Pecan Pie, a dish that is frequently served at Thanksgiving celebrations. Whilst it is also lovely in these cookies, the pecan is not just useful in sweet applications. Pecans are nutrient-dense powerhouses and there are numerous other ways in which to enjoy them.
Think of adding them to a salad, such as baby spinach, fresh pear and cranberry salad. Consider making nut butter to use as a delicious spread, or eat them just as they are as a very healthy snack. They contain generous amounts of healthy fats and a number of important vitamins and minerals. They are believed to be beneficial to cardiovascular health, to promote bone and teeth health, have powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, strengthen the immune system and have a number of anti-cancer benefits.
My Gluten-Free Pecan Puffs are a perfect example of how combining a few simple ingredients can produce a delicious outcome. They are proof that recipes need not be complicated. I love their light-as-air texture and their not-too-sweet flavour. It does, however, make them difficult to resist and easy to eat.
These small, sweet treats are wonderful for any celebration, such as Christmas, Mother’s Day, or Easter.
You will find they are always popular at any shared meal, be it a picnic or barbecue. No matter where you serve them, your plate will be emptied. Further, they make great gifts. Place them on a small plate, dust again with icing sugar, wrap with cellophane and tie with a pretty ribbon.
Whilst I have used pecan nuts in this recipe, you could alter this to suit your taste.
I have also made the Puffs, with great success, using already ground almond meal. The texture is finer but they are still delicious. Further, I have rolled the cookies into small balls. They are tender and fragile and making them in small balls means that they can literally be put straight into the mouth. However, some people like to roll them into small crescents. Just be aware, they crumble easily. There will be more opportunity for a shower of icing/ confectioners’ sugar and you may end up wearing it.
I encourage you to try these lovely cookies.
They are an ideal blend of a not-too-sweet, crumbly, buttery cookie; just perfect for any taste. The best time to make these Pecan Puffs is to make someone feel extra special – and there’s no reason that should not be you!
Once you have tried these cookies, be sure to give these fabulous recipes a go also:
- Chewy Amaretti Cookies
- Toffee Crisps
- Gluten and Dairy Free Almond Cookies
- Jam Shortbreads
- Gluten-Free Caramel Cookies
- Pecan Puffs
Enjoy! Alex xx
Gluten Free Pecan Puffs
Ingredients
- 110 g pecans shelled (4 oz)
- 110 g butter at cool room temperature (4 oz)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tbsp caster sugar * superfine
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 150 g gluten free plain/all purpose flour 5 1/4 oz
- 1/3 cup pure icing sugar confectioners’ sugar *
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150 Degrees C (300F).
Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
- Add the pecans to a food processor and grind to a coarse powder.
- Add the butter, salt, sugar and vanilla extract and pulse a few times to briefly combine.
- Add the flour to the food processor.
- Process the ingredients until they just come together. Do not overwork the dough.
- Turn onto cling wrap.
- Bring the dough together and form a disc. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the dough firms up.
- Take about a teaspoon of mixture and roll into balls, about 2 ½ cm/1” diameter. It may help to use slightly damp hands. Place the balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving a gap between each one. They do spread a little.
- Bake about 25-30 minutes until light golden on the edges.Remove from the oven and leave the biscuits to cool slightly on the tray for about 3 minutes. Keep the oven on.
- Sift the icing/confectioners’ sugar onto a plate. Roll the puffs in the sugar then return them to the baking tray.
- Return the tray to the oven for 2-3 minutes to set the icing/confectioners’ sugar.Cool the Puffs 5 minutes before carefully* removing them to a rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container.To serve, dust with a little extra icing/confectioners’ sugar.
Notes
*Pure icing sugar is naturally gluten-free. Icing/confectioners’ sugar mixture generally contains some cornflour. Ensure that the cornflour is made from maize and not wheat.
*The Pecan Puffs are very fragile and need to be handled with great care.
That looks absolutely delish and easy to make too. This dish reminds me of the food Tiana served her friend’s father in Princess and the Frog.
I am so pleased that you like the recipe Lyanna. Please let me know if you try it. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the detailed recipe of Pecan puff. I already taken print out but i will try this weekend for sure
I will look forward to hearing how you enjoy them. 🙂
These look so yummy! I would love to try it out.
I do hope that you try them. They are delicious Tushar. 🙂
I’ve recently transitioned to a gluten free diet so I tried these over the weekend – they were absolutely incredible! There is hope that GF can be delicious! 🙂 x
Kylie, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the Pecan Puffs. We have a number of gluten-free recipes and they are all delicious. I do hope that you try them. 🙂
These cookies bring back such great memories from my childhood. We used to have cookies just like this during the holidays and they were so delicious.
Cindy, they are delicious and I am so pleased they have brought back lovely memories. 🙂
These look really tasty. I don’t think I’ve had anything like this before!!
Louise x
They are lovely Louise, I do hope that you try them. 🙂
This looooks so delicious. I will definitely going to try this for sure. Thanks for the recipe. I already taken print out of the recipe
Thank you Sundeep, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy the Pecan Puffs. 🙂
I like to try this recipe.It also needs few ingredients only.I want to check whether I can find Pecan nuts in Singapore or not.Otherwise I will use a substitute.
Hi Amila, I am pleased that you like the recipe. Walnuts would be a good substitute if you can’t find pecans. 🙂
I don’t think I’ve made pecan puffs before! They look so good and they’re perfect for parties especially when you’re looking for easy treats to serve your guests! Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you for the lovely feedback Carol. I definitely recommend that you try making the Pecan Puffs. They are a favourite of mine. 🙂
These gluten-free pecan puffs look super tender and crumbly. It’s good that they are easy to make. I can’t wait to try out this recipe.
You have described them perfectly Norma. I am confident that you will enjoy them. AAAA:)
Haven’t tried pecan puff before. I will try this weekend for breakfast.
That sounds like a great plan. Enjoy! 🙂
These look gorgeous! And you are right…they look simple to make. The pictures and explanations of your recipe help with that. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Ceci, I am so pleased that you like the recipe. 🙂
these sound tasty. I love pecans and I love how simple this recipe sounds.
They are great cookies Jackline. I do hope that you try them. 🙂
YUM! These sound os delicious and I love that they are gluten free! That makes them healthy, right?!
These are lovely Kathleen and ideal for people who have to avoid gluten and those who don’t. They’re delicious. 🙂
The older I get the more I love pecans! I would love to try these pecan puffs!
I do hope that you try them, they are delicious. 🙂
Pecan is a bit expensive so I don’t usually use it as an ingredient. But I know pecans taste amazing, so I’ll try your recipe one of these days.
The Pecan Puffs are special; I do hope that you try them. 🙂
I love pecan nuts as its one of my fav nuts. These pecan puffs look so delicious and I would love to try making some of these for the kids
These are lovely; I do hope that you and your family enjoy them. 🙂
There is a pecan tree behind my apartment, in the fence but its branches are in my back yard. I’ve been eyeing them waiting for them to ripen, lol, and I’ve been saving all sorts of recipes for when they do. Yours, of course, is now added to that list.
How nice to have your own supply of pecans. 😉 I hope that you enjoy the cookies. 🙂
Those are one of my FAVORITE cookies, I always look forward to them at Christmastime. My mom is awesome at making them, I’ll have to share this recipe with her!
They are one of my favourites too Krysten. Please let me know how you enjoy them. 🙂
I love all things pecan, especially baked goods. I’m going to have to try this one!
Heather, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy them. They are one of my favourites. 🙂
Oh my gosh, this recipe looks absolutely divine! I’d love to make this before the end of the summer. So delicious!
It’s definitely worth trying to find time for these Emily, they are delicious. 🙂
These pecan puffs looks so good..! I wonder how exactly they taste like. I should make it to know. Haha, thanks for sharing..!
It’s definitely worth making these Jackline, I am sure that you will enjoy them. 🙂
They look absolutely delicious. Thank you for sharing this.
Arya, they are delicious. I do hope that you try them. 🙂
I love gluten free options..! Thanks for sharing this. It looks so easy to make.
They are easy to make – and so delicious. 🙂
These look absolutely amazing, I love pecans too.
These are delicious, definitely worth making. 🙂
Yummy, this seems like a fantastic recipe to try. Easy, fast, and fun to make!
And delicious too Lavern. I do hope that you try making these. 🙂
The other day I went to the nut store and notice the pecan nuts, at first I thought its the walnut then only realized the color is darker. Glad to learn about some facts from this post about the pecan nuts.
I’m so pleased that you like the recipe. Please let me know if you make the Pecan Puffs. 🙂
These look soooo tasty, will have to try and make them myself
So pleased to hear that Kara, I do hope that you enjoy them. 🙂
OMG, this is now on my list for the weekend! Great recipe, really easy to follow.
I am so pleased to hear that Tamara, I look forward to hearing how you enjoy them. 🙂
I love nuts and making it gluten free is a bonus! They look delicate and light but that might just be the icing sugar on them. It almost reminds me of a Christmas cookie.
Actually Lo, they are quite delicate and light as a cloud and ideal for Christmas. 🙂
Oo now these look fun! I will be trying them out soon. I love pecan stuff.
I am delighted to hear that Amber, please let me know how you enjoy the Pecan Puffs. 🙂
My friend would love to try out such gluten free treats! She would love this recipe, so I’m going to share it with her for sure . 🙂
That’s great Natalia, I do hope that you and your friend enjoy the Pecan Puffs. 🙂
wow my kid would love these. she is gluten free so this is a total winner for us!
I’m so pleased that you like the recipe Leah, I do hope that you all enjoy these Pecan Puffs. 🙂
Thank you for the recipe. I love the step by step photos you included with the recipe. Very easy to follow along. I need a lot of hand holding when I’m trying something new. Will definitely pin to try later.
Thank you Terrie, I do hope you try them. Please let me know if you do. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing recipes.Great blog!!!
Thank you Fiona for your very kind words. 🙂
These puffs look so yummy. My mouth is actually watering RIGHT NOW!
Hello Vera, this is a simple yet delicious recipe. I make it all year round abut love to include these cookies with my Christmas baking. 🙂 🙂
I absolutely love these cookies! Like your mum, my own mom has been making these cookies forever. They typically showed up every year around Christmas, and they never lasted very long. I could eat the whole tin by myself! 🙂 One of my all-time favorite cookies for sure!
Hi David, these are the best, aren’t they? And they suit a number of people with specific dietary requirements. 🙂 🙂
These gluten-free pecan puffs look delicious! I will certainly give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the feedback. They are delicious. Let me know if you make them. 🙂
Don’t think I’ve ever heard of pecan cookies but man, that looks and sounds absolutely delicious! Gonna have to put my hands on some pecans now 😉
Hi Sylvie, let me know if you make them. They’re one of my favourite cookies. 🙂
Gluten free pecan puffs looks delicious it is great with cup of coffee. I can try it
They are delicious Swathi, and great with coffee. Let me know if you try them.
Pecans are my favorite Alex! And these look so delicious! I’ll need to get them on my baking list!
Hey Mary Ann! Hope you will absolutely love them 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
This is a type of cookie I’ll never get tired eating. The recipe is pretty simple as well. I can’t wait to try it.
We are exactly the same – this is my favourite!! 🙂
O my yum!!!! I just love pecans. I will have to give these a try. Delicious
Enjoy them! 🙂
This looks good! I am going to pass this recipe to my mom who LOVES pecans!
Brilliant – thanks for sharing!
Wow,this recipe is so wonderful. It looks so easy to follow the step by step guide. Plus it’s gluten free so it’s so healthy..
Thank you, Surekha 🙂
My grandmother used to cook something very similar, so it truly brings out sweet childhood memories for me!
That is so beautiful, Alina!!
These look delicious. It’s so hard to find good gluten-free cookies that aren’t dry or fall apart in your hand. I will have to try this one out. Have you ever used peanuts instead of pecan?
I have tried with almonds also!
But my preference is definitely for pecans 🙂 Do let me know if you try them!
Mmm these look good. I am looking for something to make this weekend so I might try to make these.
Hope you enjoy them, Sophia. Love to know what you think when you give them a try 🙂
This sure does seem amazing. I loved the tittle of this! I can never pursue someone so convincingly to make something!
Hope you will give it a try. I promise they’re easy 🙂
Looks delicious! I would love to cook it! My mom has gluten intolerance and I am always happy to cook her something special for her
That is so sweet of you 🙂
I like how detailed your recipes are. By writing gluten-free recipes, you are helping many people 🙂
That is very kind of you to say, Shubh 🙂
I am gluten-free so I am glad that you shared this recipe! I need to try whipping this one up as a special treat one weekend here or there!
Aww, lovely, Kelsey! I do hope you’ll enjoy it very much 🙂
It looks so pretty with the powdered sugar on top! I love cookies with nuts in it, so I’d love to try these!
xoxo
Annie
Let me know if you do try them, Annie 🙂
that looks so delicious, yum! thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Huda!
These looks so good! I love pecans. These will be prefect for Easter.
Yes, definitely great for then!
I can eat an untold amount of these types of cookies! And pecan all the way!
Yes, I agree completely!
It looks so good! I love everything pecan!
Thanks!! 🙂
Oh man these look so good – I freakin love pecans and the fact they look this easy makes me want them even more
Can’t beat them 😉 They’re delish!
OK these look amazing! I have to try them! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Stacy, thank you so much 🙂
I am drooling over here. These are my favorite kind of cookies.
Thanks, Tara!
I love pecan! such a delicious fruit! and pecan cookies sound like a dream come true! i need to try this!
Hope you will enjoy!
So delicious! Trying this weekend.
Love to know what you think!
I’m always a sucker for a good cookie recipe and they’re gluten free = Heaven!
Thank you so much, Becky!! 🙂 Hope you love these!
These are one of my favorite all time cookies! I love them, but have not made them in a while since most of my family is Gluten Free. Thanks for sharing this recipe so that I can start making them again.
Aww, that makes me so happy to hear, Jennifer!
This recipe looks yummy. I would love to taste it.
Let me know if you try it 🙂
Love this recipe! Always looking for a great gluten-free cookie/treat when hosting friends with gluten sensitivities. Thank you for sharing!
You are most welcome, Erin – enjoy!
I have never tried to make a Gluten Free Pecan Puffs and this recipe looks so delicious and so easy to prepare. I am sure kids will definitely enjoy eating this.
Thanks, Catherine. Hope this is a recipe for the whole family to enjoy 🙂
YUM! I try to eat gluten free so I’lll be testing these out
Let me know what you think 🙂
What a great treat! I like that they are gluten free. My MIL is gluten free, so she’d be able to enjoy these too!
Thank you, Amber! And you’d never know they were GF, which makes them even more enjoyable (for all!)
I´m allergic to gluten so your recipes always make me smile but the best part is that they´re so detailed that even I can make them! Thanks!!!
Aww, thank you, Carla. Honestly, your comment made my day! I appreciate it 🙂
am not so much of a pastry guy but I will like to keep this recipe for a special guest when the time comes.
Sounds good, Gerry 🙂
These look nice and light and fluffy. I love that they are gluten free.
So good for so many people 🙂
those look really yummy and wow gluten free too ! nothing better than cobinking tymmy and cartering to anyone who might have a gluten allergy
Thanks, Pati 🙂 And you wouldn’t even know that these are gluten free, best of all!
Oh my goodness yes please! How delicious do these sound! I love that they are gluten free as well.
Thanks, Sarah! Hope you will get to give them a try soon 🙂
Seriously, you had me just on the title. Soo delicious. I want to make one soooon
Let me know what you think 🙂
My heart sings every time I see “gluten free”. These look delicious. On my to do list.
Aww, that makes me so happy to hear 🙂
I love this. I have something new to try this weekend. =)
Enjoy it, Dani 🙂
These sound lovely. Your instructions are so detailed that even I shouldn’t be able to mess this up …right, off to buy some pecans!!!
Aww, thanks, Jen! I am sure you will be fine 🙂 Love to know what you think when you try them!
YUM!! Saving recipe to try!!
Enjoy it, Kat!
These look delicious! I’ve made similar biscuits, but with walnuts rather than pecans. They always go down well! Thanks again!
You’re welcome, Aaron! I bet they’re super good with walnuts also!
OMG YUM! These look so delicious! I really want to try this recipe! My family would love these
Thanks, Brittany! Hope you will all enjoy them 🙂
Yummy! These look perfect for a tea or fancy breakfast. I’ve made something similar, but it’s great to know how to make them GF!
Yes! Always good to have a GF option! 🙂 (Especially when you can’t tell it is GF 😉 )
I do love little sweet carb goodies! Definitely happy food! These look so good!
Thanks, Erica 🙂
I super love pecan puffs and these are Gluten free yessss…Thanks a lot.
You’re welcome, Chad!
Yum! These sound delicious, and I love that they’re gluten free. Thanks for sharing another great recipe!
You are so kind, Amanda – thank you for stopping by!
Such a wonderful recipe and gluten free, yay!
Thanks, Deanna 🙂
Oh yummy 🙂 I’ve never heard of these but they look delicious! Love your process shots
Thanks so much, Jenna!
I love this recipe! The powdered sugar is the best part; I could use a sweet treat like this right about now!
Hope you’ll get to make them, Sara! You will enjoy this one!! 🙂
My mother used to make these when I was a child. I had almost forgotten about them until now! Excited to make these for my kids!
Oh, what a lovely memory, Beth!!! I hope you will love this recipe too.
ooo yummy! I have a pitch in on Friday coming up I should try to make these but I better practice first.
Let me know how you get on, Shelby 🙂
ooh these look good! and fairly easy to pull off even for a non baker like me
They are easy!! 🙂 Enjoy!
These sound amazing. Perfect thing to try for a gluten free option.
Definitely! Enjoy!
So yummy! I can’t wait to give this recipe a try! I like it already..!!
Thanks dear Moni 🙂 Let me know what you think!
Thank you for the step by step instruction. I will surely try this.
You’re welcome, Kami! Enjoy them!
These sound so delicious and I love that they are so easy to make. I do love pecan nuts and I can imagine the sweet nutty taste these puffs have.
They sure are delicious! 🙂
Yum, these look so tasty! I love pecans but never had them in a puff before!
I think you’d like these, Lisa 🙂
They look so good and easy to make. I love that they are gluten free as well. I’m going to need to try and make these soon.
Hope you will enjoy them, Craig!
we call these mexican wedding cookies at our house. and they are delicious! love the buttery texture of them 🙂
Yes!! The texture is amazing! 🙂
These are so delicious. Yum. Perfect treat anytime. Love for special occasion.
Thank you, Alice 🙂 Enjoy!
So delicious – these are great to have on hand. I thoroughly recommend this recipe!
Thank you, Brian!! I appreciate that a lot 🙂
I find that is you grind the nuts with the sugar it doesn’t turn into nut butter.
Great tip, Tandy 🙂 We normally do that too, but like a little more texture with the nuts for this recipe 🙂
These sound really yummy! I love that they are gluten-free too!
Thanks, Heather!! They are so good 🙂