Indulge in the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie in a cookie form with this easy-to-follow pecan pie cookies recipe. These cookies are chewy, sweet, and packed with crunchy pecans, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy day at home, these cookies will surely delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Whole pecans for topping
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, while the cooking time is around 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (serving size: 1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 150
– Fat: 8g
– Carbohydrates: 19g
– Protein: 2g
– Fiber: 1g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans gently using a spatula.
7. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Press a whole pecan into the center of each cookie dough ball.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Additionally, using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar can enhance the flavor while providing a healthier alternative.
Serving and Pairings
These pecan pie cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. They can also be served alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold butter instead of softened can affect texture.
- Overmixing the dough may lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour properly can result in dry cookies.
- Baking at too high a temperature may burn the cookies.
- Skipping the parchment paper can cause sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Experiment with different nuts for varied flavors.
- Use fresh pecans for enhanced taste.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has a binding agent to maintain texture.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough before baking. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag.
Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan butter instead.
What can I serve with pecan pie cookies?
These cookies go well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Conclusion
Pecan pie cookies are a delightful blend of flavors that bring the essence of traditional pecan pie into a convenient, bite-sized treat. With their chewy texture and rich taste, they are sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Enjoy baking and savoring these scrumptious cookies with your loved ones!
Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Whole pecans for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans gently using a spatula.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Press a whole pecan into the center of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
