Introduction
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade pecan cookies that are rich in flavor and easy to make. These buttery treats combine the nuttiness of pecans with the sweetness of sugar, creating a perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
¾ cup butter, softened
⅔ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups chopped pecans
Prep Time
Preparation time for these delicious cookies is approximately 10 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is 14 minutes, making the total time about 1 hour and 24 minutes, including chilling. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on how thick you slice them.
Enjoy these delectable pecan cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness. Happy baking!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is combined and creamy.
Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Beat until the dry ingredients are fully combined with the wet mixture.
Step 3: Incorporate Pecans
Beat in the chopped pecans until they are fully mixed into the dough. The dough should have a thick consistency.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Place the dough onto a sheet of rolled-out plastic wrap. Shape and roll the dough into a log that is approximately 2 inches in diameter and 10 inches long.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour, or freeze for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
Step 7: Slice the Dough
Once chilled, remove the dough from the freezer, unwrap it, and slice it into ¼ to ⅓ inch thick rounds.
Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the sliced cookies on an ungreased or parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each cookie.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14 minutes or until they are lightly golden.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Storage
Once the cookies are completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Cook techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Incorporate the butter, sugar, and vanilla using a handheld or stand mixer until you achieve a creamy consistency, ensuring there are no lumps.
Combining Dry Ingredients
Add flour and salt to the butter mixture and mix just until thoroughly combined, being careful not to overmix.
Incorporating Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the dough until evenly distributed for a nice crunch in every bite.
Shaping the Dough
Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic wrap, shape it into a log, and roll tightly, ensuring it holds its shape during chilling.
Chilling the Dough
Chill the dough in the refrigerator or freezer to firm it up before slicing, which makes the cookies easier to cut and helps them maintain their shape while baking.
Preparing for Baking
Slice the chilled log into uniform rounds to ensure even baking, and arrange them on a baking sheet either ungreased or lined with parchment paper.
Baking Technique
Bake the cookies at 350ºF until they are lightly golden, keeping an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Cooling Importance
After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack to allow them to set properly and maintain their texture.
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What happens if I don’t have plastic wrap?
If plastic wrap is unavailable, you can use wax paper or parchment paper to shape and roll the dough.
How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can the dough be made in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage before baking.
How should I store the cookies?
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
These delicious pecan cookies offer a delightful combination of buttery richness and nutty flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Their simple preparation and delightful taste are sure to please your family and friends. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking and sharing these delightful cookies, which can easily become a staple in your baking repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies
Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet and nutty treat that balances the rich flavors of the pecans with delicious chocolate.
Cranberry Pecan Biscotti
Incorporate dried cranberries into the pecan mixture and bake twice for a crunchy, coffee-friendly snack that’s perfect for the holidays.
Pecan Sandies
Adjust the sugar and use a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors in these classic cookies, making them slightly spiced and even more irresistible.
Pecan Pie Bars
Transform the pecan cookie dough into a base for pecan pie bars by adding a sweet filling of corn syrup, sugar, and eggs, then topping it with whole pecans before baking.
Pecan-Coconut Macaroons
Combine toasted coconut with chopped pecans for a chewy, nutty version of traditional macaroons that adds an extra layer of flavor.
Pecan Muffins
Incorporate chopped pecans into a muffin mixture for a delightful breakfast option that pairs well with coffee or tea.
