If you’re in the mood for a classic treat with a nutty twist, these Butter Pecan Cookies are just what you need. Rich with the flavors of buttery pecans, these cookies are perfect for anyone who loves a touch of nuttiness in their sweets.
To start, you’ll need a cup of chopped pecans, which are the star of this recipe, giving each cookie a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. The combination of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar creates a base that’s both sweet and rich, while the eggs and pure vanilla extract add depth to the flavor. The all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt form the backbone of the cookie, ensuring a perfect texture.
The process is simple yet rewarding. Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 350°C and preparing your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Using an electric mixer, blend the butter, both sugars, until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step is crucial for getting that perfect cookie texture.
Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat the mixture for a couple more minutes. This infuses the batter with a rich, aromatic flavor. Gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until everything is well combined and you have a smooth cookie dough.
The final touch before baking is placing a pecan half on top of each cookie. This not only adds to the aesthetic but also gives a burst of pecan flavor with every bite. Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these Butter Pecan Cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a standalone treat – they’re delicious either way!
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Pecan halves for topping each cookie
Instructions
- Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Toast the Pecans
- Optional: For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re aromatic. Allow to cool.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and creamy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix for another 2 minutes until well incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped (and optionally toasted) pecans.
- Form the Cookies
- Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, form balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure to space them adequately as they will spread during baking.
- Gently press a pecan half onto the top of each cookie dough ball for a decorative touch.
- Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- The baking time might vary slightly depending on the oven, so keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark.
- Cooling
- Once done, remove the cookies from the oven.
- Let them sit on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serving and Storage
- Serve these buttery, nutty cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Butter Pecan Cookies!
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