Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of buttery dough with the toasty crunch of pecans. Here’s a simple recipe to make these delicious cookies!
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (optional for extra richness)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Toast the Pecans (Optional):
- If you want to toast your pecans for extra flavor, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar (and brown sugar, if using) until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in the Pecans:
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Form the Cookies:
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
9. Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- For extra flavor: You can sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the buttery flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can make the cookie dough ahead of time, roll it into balls, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- For Chewier Cookies: If you like your cookies to be soft and chewy, avoid over-baking them and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them.
These Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious combination of buttery sweetness and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Enjoy!
