Delicious Buttery Pecan Cookies Recipe
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of these pecan cookies that promise to delight your taste buds. With their delicate balance of sweetness and nutty flavor, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them with friends and family. Below is a detailed guide on how to prepare these delightful treats.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of unsalted butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- ½ cup of granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- ½ cup of powdered sugar: Contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder: Gives the cookies a light, airy texture.
- 1 cup of chopped pecans: Adds a delicious, nutty crunch.
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Sugars: Start by bringing the butter to room temperature. This step is crucial as softened butter will cream more easily with the sugars, leading to a smoother cookie dough. Once the butter is soft, place it in a large mixing bowl along with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The sugars should be fully incorporated into the butter, resulting in a pale, creamy mixture.
- Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until the egg is fully integrated. The vanilla will enhance the flavor of the cookies, while the egg adds moisture and richness.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough should come together and be slightly thick.
- Add the Pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula or wooden spoon. The pecans should be evenly distributed throughout the dough, ensuring each cookie has a good amount of nuts.
- Shape the Cookies: For uniform cookies, use a tablespoon to scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Roll the dough between your hands to form a ball. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Press and Add a Sweet Touch: To achieve a traditional pecan cookie shape, gently press down on each dough ball with the bottom of a glass that has been dipped in sugar. This will slightly flatten the cookies and add a hint of extra sweetness on top.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once heated, bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Every oven is different, so it’s best to check them at the 9-minute mark.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and develop the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
These buttery pecan cookies are a delightful treat on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of beverages. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or serve them alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic combination. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie trays or as a homemade gift for loved ones.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to a week, although they’re so tasty they might not last that long! If you wish to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.