If you love the rich, sweet flavor of pecan pie but want a fun and portable treat, then these Pecan Pie Cookies are perfect for you. These delightful cookies combine the classic flavors of pecan pie into a chewy, buttery cookie that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With the crunch of toasted pecans and the sweetness of brown sugar, each bite delivers a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Pecan Pie Cookies offer the best of both worlds: the wonderful taste of a traditional pecan pie and the convenience of a cookie. They are easy to prepare and bake, requiring minimal time and fuss while providing maximum flavor. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Plus, they pack well, making them an ideal choice for gifting or sharing. With their lovely golden-brown color and nutty aroma, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Introduction
Pecan pie is a beloved Southern dessert, rich with the flavors of brown sugar, syrup, and crunchy pecans. Turning that classic pie into a cookie form makes it even more irresistible. These Pecan Pie Cookies capture the essence of the pie—sweet, nutty, and buttery—while offering the portability and easy enjoyment of a cookie. This recipe is straightforward and requires just a handful of ingredients, making it an excellent baking choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Let’s dive into the details of making these scrumptious treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted if preferred
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfectly baked texture.
Step 2:
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Once creamy, add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until incorporated.
Step 3:
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt if using. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to stay tender.
Step 4:
Fold in Pecans: Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, gently fold in the chopped pecans. Each cookie should have a good amount of pecans for that delightful crunch.
Step 5:
Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie as they will spread during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
COOKING Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be taken to another level when paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. They also make for a charming addition to a holiday dessert platter.
Tips:
- Toasting Pecans: For added flavor, toss your chopped pecans in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before adding them to the batter.
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with chocolate chips or dried fruits to give these cookies a unique twist.
- Make Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes, helping them bake evenly.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, calculates approximately 24 cookies):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
Conclusion
These Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, bringing the sweet, nutty taste of pecan pie to the cookie jar. They are quick to prepare and make a fantastic treat that you can share with friends and family or enjoy all by yourself. With their buttery texture and crunchy pecans, every bite is a reminder of the comfort of home-baked goods.
Baking something sweet has a way of brightening up any day, and these cookies are the perfect solution whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a dessert for a gathering, or a delightful gift.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?
A1: Yes, margarine can be used in place of unsalted butter; however, the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
Q2: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A2: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, especially baking powder, are gluten-free.
Q3: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A3: Absolutely! Chocolate chips would complement the flavor of the cookies beautifully. You can add about 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough.
Q4: How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
A4: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them in a ziplock bag for up to three months.
Q5: What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
A5: If the dough feels too sticky, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
