Butter Pecan Cookies are a classic treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a sweet, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Pecan halves for the top of each cookie
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
- Toast Pecans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Brown the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Sugars and Butter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and browned butter. Beat until well combined and creamy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Mix 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 ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Pecans:
- Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Chill Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again if it has cooled down. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Shape Cookies:
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Press a pecan half into the top of each cookie ball.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned but the centers are still soft.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Butter Pecan Cookies with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea. Enjoy their rich, buttery, and nutty flavor!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Butter: Brown the butter carefully to avoid burning it. The butter should be a golden brown color with a nutty aroma.
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps to firm it up, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Pecan Halves: Pressing a pecan half into each cookie adds a beautiful touch and extra pecan flavor.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans for a delicious twist.
Cinnamon Butter Pecan Cookies
- Add Cinnamon:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
Maple Butter Pecan Cookies
- Add Maple Flavor:
- Replace 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a delightful maple flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Snacks
- Afternoon Snack:
- Enjoy these cookies as a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Desserts
- Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Use the cookies to make ice cream sandwiches with your favorite ice cream flavor.
Gifts
- Cookie Gifts:
- Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I store the cookies? A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use salted butter? A: If using salted butter, reduce the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
Q: Can I use other nuts? A: Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with a sweet and chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and always a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, these cookies are sure to please. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious Butter Pecan Cookies with your family and friends!
