Why Make This Recipe
Butter Pecan Cookies are a classic treat that brings comfort and joy to any occasion. With a delightful crunch from the pecans and a rich butter flavor, these cookies are sure to please your taste buds. Their simple preparation makes them perfect for bakers of all skill levels, and they are an excellent choice for sharing with family and friends. Plus, who can resist the enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen?
How to Make Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) chopped pecans, toasted
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Directions:
- Transform raw pecans into a fragrant, golden-brown delicacy by roasting them in a preheated oven until their nutty aroma intensifies.
- Create a luxurious butter base by whipping softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, incorporating eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth, cohesive texture.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate vessel, ensuring a uniform distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gently incorporate the toasted pecans into the cookie batter, folding them delicately to maintain their structural integrity.
- Enhance the cookie’s texture by allowing the dough to rest and chill in the refrigerator, permitting the flavors to meld and the butter to solidify.
- Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper, then methodically shape the chilled dough into uniform spheres, positioning them with precise spacing to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
- Slide the cookie-laden sheets into a hot oven, watching carefully as the edges transform to a delicate golden hue while the centers remain slightly tender and inviting.
- Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack, letting them reach room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
- Preserve the cookies in an airtight container, ensuring they maintain their delectable crunch and nutty essence for several days of enjoyment.
How to Serve Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of ice cream. For a fun twist, try sandwiching two cookies with your favorite filling, like cream cheese or chocolate frosting. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or let them cool for later snacking!
How to Store Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When stored this way, they can stay good for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Tips to Make Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for the best texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly shaped cookies.
Variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the dough. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
2. How can I make the cookies softer?
If you prefer softer cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are lightly golden and the centers look a bit underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month. Just shape and bake when you’re ready!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature.
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, toasted Toasting enhances their flavor.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) Add for extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven and roast the raw pecans until they become golden brown and fragrant.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and airy. Incorporate eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gently fold the toasted pecans into the cookie batter.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and butter to solidify.
Baking
- Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper and shape the chilled dough into uniform spheres.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the edges are golden and the centers remain slightly tender.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to reach room temperature.