If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines rich, buttery flavors with the delightful crunch of pecans, these butter pecan cookies are the answer! Soft, chewy, and packed with nutty goodness, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself. Get ready to indulge in a cookie that will become a staple in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Extra pecans for topping
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 150 calories, 8g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 1g protein, and 5g sugar.
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 blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press an additional pecan on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving and Pairings
These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert trays during holidays or gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Skipping the cooling time on the baking sheet can cause cookies to break.
- Using cold butter instead of softened will affect consistency.
- Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven baking.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Experiment with adding chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Make sure to rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain the right balance of flavors.
How can I tell when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Is it necessary to chop the pecans?
Chopping the pecans allows for better distribution throughout the cookie, but you can use whole pecans if preferred.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much?
Ensure that your butter is softened, not melted, and consider chilling the dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Conclusion
These butter pecan cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Extra 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.
- 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 blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press an additional pecan on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
