Indulge in the warm, buttery goodness of butter pecan cookies that melt in your mouth. These delightful cookies are infused with roasted pecans, providing a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Ideal for holidays, gatherings, or simply as a treat for yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– Whole pecans for topping
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a baking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Total Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 19g
– Protein: 2g
This nutritional information is calculated per cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. Press a whole pecan into the center of each cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure to adjust the quantities as needed.
Serving and Pairings
These butter pecan cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to restore their freshness.
Cooking Mistakes
– Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender.
– Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the right texture.
– Don’t skip chilling the dough if it feels too sticky.
– Use fresh baking soda for the best rise.
– Allow cookies to cool properly to enhance flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Toast pecans before adding them for extra flavor.
– Experiment with adding chocolate chips for a twist.
– Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
– Check cookies for doneness a minute early to prevent overbaking.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but consider reducing the added salt in the recipe to balance flavors.
How can I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or slightly underbaking them.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips for a delicious variation.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear soft.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container for up to three months.
Conclusion
Butter pecan cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of butter and pecans in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for sharing or enjoying at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try making them today and savor the deliciousness!
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- Whole pecans 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.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Press a whole pecan into the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.