Indulge in the sweet and nutty goodness of pecan pie cookies! These delightful treats bring the classic flavors of pecan pie into a convenient cookie form. With a buttery, soft texture and a crunchy pecan topping, they make for a perfect dessert or snack. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these pecan pie cookies are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pecan halves for topping
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional baking time of 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (serving size: 1 cookie) contains approximately 150 calories, 8g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This is based on one cookie and can vary slightly depending on ingredient brands.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- 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.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top each cookie with a pecan half for presentation.
- 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.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Additionally, maple syrup can replace some of the brown sugar for a unique flavor twist.
Serving and Pairings
These pecan pie cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet treat at gatherings.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring flour correctly can result in dry cookies.
- Baking at incorrect temperatures can affect texture and doneness.
- Skipping the cooling step can make cookies fall apart.
- Using stale nuts can affect flavor.
Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s unique settings.
- Experiment with adding chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
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 for best results.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, or three months in the freezer.
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or hazelnuts can be used as alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What can I do with leftover cookies?
Leftover cookies can be crumbled and used as a topping for ice cream or mixed into yogurt for added texture and flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for vegetarian diets.
Conclusion
Pecan pie cookies are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie in a portable treat. With their buttery texture and nutty crunch, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Pecan Pie Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Pecan halves for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- 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.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top each cookie with a pecan half for presentation.
- 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.
