Butter Pecan Cookies

Introduction:

Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Butter Pecan Cookies! These delectable treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings or impressing guests at any gathering. With a perfect balance of crunchy pecans and melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the details of how to make these irresistible cookies!

Tools Needed and Cooking Details:

Tools:

  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer
  • Wire rack
  • Medium cookie scoop

Number of People: Makes approximately 24 cookies

Cooking Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

Gather the following ingredients to make Butter Pecan Cookies:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 7 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pecan halves for topping each cookie

Steps:

Let’s walk through the steps to prepare Butter Pecan Cookies:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
    • In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and creamy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    • Add the eggs and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat for an additional 2 minutes until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Mix until the dough is well blended and smooth.
  5. Form Cookie Dough Balls:
    • Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the cookie dough and roll it into balls. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
  6. Top with Pecan Halves:
    • Press a pecan half onto the top of each cookie dough ball.
  7. Bake to Perfection:
    • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and set around the edges.
  8. Cool and Enjoy:
    • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recommendation for Recipe Success:

To ensure the success of your Butter Pecan Cookies, consider the following tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh pecans and pure vanilla extract, for the best flavor.
  • Do not overmix the cookie dough to avoid tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely on the wire rack before storing them to maintain their texture.

Top 5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:

1. Overbaking the Cookies:

  • Keep a close eye on the cookies while baking and remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden brown around the edges.

2. Using Cold Butter:

  • Ensure that the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugars to achieve a light and creamy texture.

3. Skipping Chopping Pecans:

  • Chop the pecans into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough for a satisfying crunch in every bite.

4. Not Allowing Cookies to Cool Properly:

  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from breaking apart.

5. Overcrowding the Baking Sheets:

  • Leave enough space between the cookie dough balls on the baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking and prevent them from sticking together.

FAQ:

Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

  • Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?

  • Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in individual portions and bake them as needed. Allow the frozen dough to thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Q3: Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

  • Yes, you can use other nuts such as walnuts or almonds, but keep in mind that it will alter the flavor of the cookies.

Q4: How should I store the baked cookies?

  • Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.

Q5: Can I double the recipe to make more cookies?

  • Yes, you can easily double or halve the recipe to suit your needs, just be sure to adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of butter, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans into a deliciously addictive cookie. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can easily whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies to enjoy with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the sweet pleasure of Butter Pecan Cookies!

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