Indulge in the rich, buttery flavor of these pecan cookies that melt in your mouth. Perfectly sweetened and packed with crunchy pecans, they are an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this butter pecan cookies recipe will not disappoint. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful cookies that are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- Extra pecan halves for topping
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Cholesterol: 30mg
– Sodium: 70mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 20g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 2g
(Values are approximate and may vary.)
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press a pecan half into the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version. Additionally, use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free alternative.
Serving and Pairings
These buttery pecan cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They can also be served alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert!
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold butter can result in dense cookies; always use softened butter.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix just until combined.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may affect texture and flavor.
- Baking at too high a temperature can burn the cookies; always preheat your oven.
- Forgetting to chill the dough can make cookies spread too much.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Toast pecans for added flavor before mixing them in.
- Experiment with adding chocolate chips for a twist.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them appropriately before mixing.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just let it soften slightly before scooping.
What can I do if my cookies are too crumbly?
If your cookies turn out crumbly, it may be due to too much flour. Ensure you’re measuring accurately. You can add a teaspoon of milk to the dough to help bind it.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
These butter pecan cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and textures. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they are perfect for any baking occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or store them for later—either way, they are sure to please!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- Extra pecan halves for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press a pecan half into the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
