Indulge in the buttery, nutty goodness of these butter pecan cookies. Perfect for any occasion, they boast a delightful crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just a cozy afternoon, these cookies are sure to impress. Let’s get started on making these irresistible treats that will have everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– Extra pecans for topping
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 10-12 minutes of baking time.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Sugars: 10g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional value is based on one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped pecans.
8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Top each cookie with an extra pecan for garnish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Additionally, for a gluten-free version, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving and Pairings
These butter pecan cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a warm cup of tea. For a special treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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 single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until soft.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies; mix just until combined.
- Not measuring the flour correctly can result in dry cookies; use the spoon and level method.
- Baking at too high a temperature can burn the cookies; stick to the recommended temperature.
- Skipping the cooling step can lead to cookies falling apart; let them cool on the baking sheet first.
- Using cold butter instead of softened can affect texture; ensure it’s at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Experiment with adding chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor.
- Store dough in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.
- Keep an eye on baking time; every oven is different.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
How can I make these cookies softer?
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet.
Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! You can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for different flavors.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but slightly soft.
Conclusion
These butter pecan cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich butter and crunchy pecans in every bite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared with friends, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Bake them today and savor the deliciousness!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- Extra pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- 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 ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top each cookie with an extra pecan for garnish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
