Butter Pecan Cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Toast the Pecans:

In a small skillet, toast the chopped pecans over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure they don’t burn. The pecans should become fragrant and slightly darker. Let them cool before adding them to the dough.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes. The butter should be soft but not melted, creating a smooth texture with the sugar.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla:

Beat in the egg until fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous.

5. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will start to form and become thick, but don’t overmix.

6. Add the Toasted Pecans:

Fold in the toasted pecans. If you want a more pronounced pecan flavor, you can add extra pecans to taste. This is also the stage where you can mix in the optional brown sugar if you’d like to deepen the flavor profile.

7. Scoop the Dough:

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart as they will spread slightly while baking.

8. Bake the Cookies:

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them toward the end, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

9. Cool the Cookies:

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and hold their shape.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies:

• Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. If it’s too cold, the dough will be hard to mix. If it’s too warm or melted, the cookies will spread too much during baking.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavors.
• Experiment with Flavors: For a twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for added warmth.
• Pecans: You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, but pecans are the star of this recipe, offering a perfect balance of buttery richness and crunchy texture.

Serving Suggestions:

These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can also pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for an indulgent treat. For a festive touch, dust them with a little powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Storage:

Store your butter pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion:

Butter pecan cookies are a timeless treat that combines the comforting richness of butter with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. They’re easy to make, incredibly tasty, and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good, nutty dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!