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Butter Pecan Cookies

You might say that Butter Pecan Cookies are a gentle embrace for your taste buds. These delightful treats effortlessly blend the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the warm sweetness of brown sugar and butter. You’ll find that their chewy texture and satisfying crunch make them a favorite for both casual gatherings and special occasions. But what’s even more intriguing is the story behind these cookies and how they’ve woven themselves into culinary traditions. You might be surprised to learn what makes them a timeless choice in many kitchens today.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’re going to love this Butter Pecan Cookies recipe for its simplicity and amazing flavor. It takes under 30 minutes to prepare, and you won’t need a mixer or any chilling time.

Using melted butter not only makes mixing easy but also enhances the cookie’s flavor. The toasted pecans provide a delightful nutty taste, while dark brown sugar adds richness. For a twist, you can include toffee bits or white chocolate. The sea salt balances the sweetness perfectly.

The cookies come out soft and chewy, thanks to the extra egg yolk and slightly underbaking them. With these easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll whip up a large batch that’s perfect for any occasion! Additionally, the recipe produces approximately 28 cookies, ensuring there’s plenty to enjoy or share!

History

Butter Pecan Cookies have a rich history rooted in the southern United States, where they emerged as a beloved treat.

During the Jim Crow era, many African Americans faced restrictions on consuming vanilla due to its association with whiteness. This led to butter pecan becoming a popular alternative, featuring key ingredients like pecans, butter, and vanilla. Butter pecan’s significance as a symbol of identity and community further solidified its place in culinary traditions.

Pecans thrived in the South, making their flavor a natural choice. Over time, butter pecan found its way into various desserts, including ice cream and cakes.

The cookie version gained popularity, reflecting both cultural heritage and innovation. Today, butter pecan cookies are enjoyed year-round but especially during the fall, when the pecan harvest peaks, highlighting their deep-rooted significance in American culinary traditions.

Recipe

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Butter pecan cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of toasted pecans with a sweet, buttery cookie base. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a special event or just want to satisfy a craving for something sweet. The one-bowl method makes preparation quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy these cookies with minimal cleanup.

The balance of brown and white sugars creates a nuanced sweetness, while the toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor. With a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies that are sure to become a favorite.

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor, be certain to chill the dough before baking. This step is essential as it solidifies the butter, helping the cookies maintain their shape and prevent spreading too much in the oven.

Additionally, toasting the pecans beforehand elevates their flavor, making these cookies even more irresistible. Follow the steps below for a foolproof recipe that will yield cookies with a golden brown edge and a soft, chewy center.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup white sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until well combined. This should create a smooth mixture.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a sticky batter forms.
Gently mix in the toasted pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the butter to solidify and the flavors to meld.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of chilled dough for each cookie and place them onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each scoop.
Bake in the preheated oven for 13-16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly puffy.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking tray for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Extra Tips:

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pecan or two on top of each cookie before baking. If you want to experiment with flavors, try including toffee bits in the dough for a delightful twist.

Using a cookie scooper can help guarantee uniform cookie sizes, leading to even baking. Finally, allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack to maintain their chewiness and texture. Enjoy your homemade butter pecan cookies!

Final Thoughts

While baking butter pecan cookies can be a delightful experience, the true joy comes from savoring the final product.

These cookies offer a perfect balance of soft, chewy centers and crispy edges, all enhanced by rich, buttery, and nutty flavors. To elevate your cookies, don’t skip toasting and candying the pecans, as these steps greatly improve taste and texture. Remember to brown your butter for an added depth of flavor. If you prefer a slightly chewy texture, consider underbaking them just a bit. The inclusion of cornstarch aids in maintaining the cookies’ softness, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Keep in mind that these cookies are high in calories and sugar, so enjoy them in moderation. Whether you’re sharing or keeping them for yourself, butter pecan cookies are sure to impress.

FAQ

Enjoying your homemade butter pecan cookies might leave you with a few questions about ingredients, preparation, and troubleshooting.

Essential ingredients include unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking soda. For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar and consider toasted pecans for an extra taste boost, though they’re optional. Baking soda is crucial for achieving the right texture, as it helps the cookies rise.

When preparing, melt and cool the butter, or brown it for depth. Chill the dough for at least an hour to help with structure.

If your cookies spread too much, verify the butter isn’t warm, and chill the dough adequately. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, watching for lightly golden edges for the best texture.