Butter Pecan Cookies

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Introduction:

Discover the irresistible delight of Butter Pecan Cookies with our easy-to-follow recipe. These cookies are a perfect blend of rich, buttery flavor and crunchy pecans, offering a classic treat that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are simple to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  4. Add Pecans: Fold in the chopped and toasted pecans.
  5. Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  6. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Butter Pecan Cookies with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips for Butter Pecan Cookies:

Serving Tips:

  1. Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This helps them set properly and prevents them from breaking or crumbling.
  2. Presentation: For an attractive presentation, arrange the cooled cookies on a serving platter or in a decorative cookie tin. Adding a few whole pecans on top of each cookie can enhance their appearance.
  3. Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or holiday cookie tray.

Storage Tips:

  1. Airtight Container: Store Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming stale. A cookie tin or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well.
  2. Room Temperature: Keep the cookies at room temperature for up to one week. Ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
  3. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cookies at room temperature for about 1-2 hours before serving.
  4. Re-crisping: If the cookies become a bit soft after storage, you can re-crisp them by placing them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Let them cool completely before serving.

    Variations for Butter Pecan Cookies:

    1. Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies:
      • Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delightful chocolatey twist.
    2. Maple Pecan Cookies:
      • Substitute 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with maple sugar or add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup to the dough for a subtle maple flavor.
    3. Coconut Pecan Cookies:
      • Stir in 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the dough for added texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
    4. Cinnamon Pecan Cookies:
      • Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced note that complements the pecans.
    5. White Chocolate Pecan Cookies:
      • Incorporate 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips into the dough for a creamy, sweet contrast to the pecans.
    6. Toffee Pecan Cookies:
      • Mix in 1/2 cup of toffee bits or chopped toffee bars to add a rich, buttery flavor with a bit of crunch.
    7. Cranberry Pecan Cookies:
      • Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the dough for a fruity and slightly tart flavor that pairs well with the pecans.
    8. Orange Pecan Cookies:
      • Incorporate 1 tablespoon of orange zest into the dough for a citrusy zing that brightens up the cookies.
    9. Spiced Butter Pecan Cookies:
      • Add a blend of spices such as nutmeg, allspice, and cloves (about 1/2 teaspoon each) to the dough for a more complex flavor profile.
    10. Almond Pecan Cookies:
      • Substitute some of the chopped pecans with chopped almonds or add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for an almond-infused flavor.

Conclusion:

Butter Pecan Cookies are a timeless classic that combines the rich, buttery flavor of cookies with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. Easy to make and even easier to love, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Bake a batch today and treat yourself to a delicious, homemade dessert that’s sure to impress.

FAQ’s about Butter Pecan Cookies:

  1. What type of pecans are best for Butter Pecan Cookies?
    • For the best flavor and texture, use toasted pecans. They can be chopped or left in halves, depending on your preference.
  2. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
    • Yes, you can use unsalted butter. If you do, you may need to add a pinch of salt to the recipe to enhance the flavor.
  3. How do I toast pecans for the recipe?
    • Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned.
  4. Can I use a different type of nut in place of pecans?
    • Yes, you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts for pecans if desired.
  5. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
    • Make sure your butter is not too soft and chill the dough before baking. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh.
  6. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
    • Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  7. How do I store leftover cookies?
    • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
  8. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
    • Yes, using brown sugar will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the cookies. You can use all brown sugar or a combination of brown and granulated sugar.
  9. What can I do if my cookies are too soft or cakey?
    • If the cookies are too soft or cakey, it could be due to too much flour or overmixing. Ensure you measure your flour correctly and mix just until combined.
  10. Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the recipe?
    • Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, toffee bits, or dried fruit to the dough if desired.
  11. How do I make sure my cookies come out evenly baked?
    • Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes and place the dough balls evenly spaced on the baking sheet. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even cooking.
  12. Can I use a stand mixer or hand mixer for this recipe?
    • Yes, a stand mixer or hand mixer works well for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing in the flour. Just be careful not to overmix.
  13. What can I do if my cookies are too crumbly?
    • If the cookies are crumbly, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to the dough to help bind the ingredients together.
  14. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  15. How can I make my Butter Pecan Cookies more flavorful?
    • To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a bit of sea salt on top before baking.

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