If you’re looking for a delightful treat that marries the buttery richness of sugar cookies with the nutty crunch of pecans, you’ve come to the right place. These Pecan Sugar Cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving something sweet at home, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of tender dough and crunchy pecans creates a unique texture that’s hard to resist. Plus, they are versatile enough to be served plain or decorated with icing for a festive touch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Sugar Cookies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Pecan Sugar Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the cookie base; sifted flour ensures a light texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent gives the cookies their lightness and fluffy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter to create a rich flavor while allowing easy blending with sugar.
- Pecans: Chopped finely or coarsely depending on your preference; they add crunch and nutty flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the moistness of the final product.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pecan Sugar Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for an easy cleanup after baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about three minutes using an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in one egg at a time along with vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This step ensures an evenly mixed batter.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want small chunks of nuts in every bite.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart. Bake for approximately ten minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with icing for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Chill Your Dough: For even better texture, consider chilling your dough for about thirty minutes before baking.
- Pecan Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- Baking Time Variation: Keep an eye on your cookies as oven temperatures may vary; adjust baking time accordingly.
How to Serve Pecan Sugar Cookies
This Pecan Sugar Cookies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Milk: The creamy texture of milk balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the warm cookies.
- Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors of these beverages enhance the nutty undertones of the cookies.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for Pecan Sugar Cookies one day in advance. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storing: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Suggestions for Pecan Sugar Cookies
Use Fresh Ingredients
One of the most important mistakes to avoid when making pecan sugar cookies is using stale or old ingredients. Baking relies heavily on the quality of your components, particularly flour, sugar, and nuts. Always check expiration dates on baking powder and baking soda, as these leavening agents lose their effectiveness over time. Freshly chopped pecans enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies. If you use pre-packaged nuts, ensure they are stored properly to maintain freshness. For optimal results, consider toasting your pecans lightly before adding them to the dough. This brings out their rich flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
Measure Ingredients Accurately
Measuring your ingredients accurately is crucial when baking pecan sugar cookies. Many bakers tend to eyeball measurements or use incorrect techniques like packing flour into a cup. This can lead to dry or dense cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision or employ the spoon-and-level method for dry ingredients. Liquid ingredients should be measured in a clear liquid measuring cup for accuracy. Remember that precision in measurement ensures the right balance of flavors and textures in your cookies. Following this tip will help you achieve that perfect balance between chewy and crispy.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing cookie dough is a common mistake that can ruin the texture of your pecan sugar cookies. When you mix too vigorously or for too long, you develop gluten, leading to tough cookies instead of soft and tender ones. After incorporating the dry ingredients with wet ones, mix just until combined; some lumps are perfectly fine. Be gentle with your folding technique, especially when adding chopped pecans. This helps maintain a light texture that allows for those delightful pockets of buttery goodness in every bite.
Allow Proper Cooling Time
After baking your pecan sugar cookies, it’s essential to allow them adequate cooling time before serving or storing them. Many bakers make the mistake of moving cookies too soon from the baking sheet to a cooling rack, which can cause breakage or loss of texture. Let them sit on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them gently to a wire rack. This resting period allows them to firm up properly and retain their shape while cooling down evenly. Enjoying fresh cookies at their best requires patience!
FAQs
What are pecan sugar cookies?
Pecan sugar cookies are delightful treats made with basic cookie ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, along with chopped pecans that add nutty flavor and crunch. They often have a soft and chewy texture with crisp edges. These cookies are typically rolled in sugar before baking for extra sweetness and a beautiful finish that enhances their appeal. The combination of sweet dough with nutty pecans makes these cookies an irresistible choice for dessert lovers.
Can I substitute other nuts in my pecan sugar cookies?
Absolutely! While pecans provide a unique flavor and texture in these cookies, you can easily substitute other nuts if desired. Walnuts or almonds work well as alternatives due to their similar consistency and taste profiles. Just be mindful that changing nuts may slightly alter the flavor of your final product; however, experimenting can lead to delicious discoveries! Feel free to chop any nuts finely for even distribution throughout the cookie dough.
How do I store leftover pecan sugar cookies?
To keep your leftover pecan sugar cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead; they freeze well! To do this effectively, let them cool completely before placing them in a single layer within an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date so you’ll remember when they were made! Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy again.
Can I make gluten-free pecan sugar cookies?
Yes! You can make gluten-free versions of pecan sugar cookies by substituting traditional wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends available in stores or online. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent if it doesn’t already contain it; this helps mimic the structure provided by gluten in regular flour recipes. Experimenting with gluten-free flours may require slight adjustments in moisture levels but will still yield delicious results!
Conclusion for Pecan Sugar Cookies
In conclusion, making perfect pecan sugar cookies involves careful attention to ingredient quality and proper techniques throughout the process. Avoid common pitfalls such as using stale ingredients or overmixing the dough; doing so ensures delightful texture and flavor in every bite. Measuring accurately contributes significantly toward achieving consistent results while allowing adequate cooling time ensures they hold their shape beautifully after baking.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different nuts or adjust storage methods based on your preferences! With these tips in mind, you’ll find joy in creating scrumptious batches of pecan sugar cookies that friends and family will adore—happy baking!
Pecan Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Pecan Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, combining buttery sweetness with the rich crunch of pecans. This easy recipe yields light, chewy cookies that are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip these up with confidence. Each bite delivers a satisfying texture and flavor that will leave your friends and family asking for more. Enjoy them plain for a classic treat, or add a drizzle of icing for an extra festive touch.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans gently.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
