Butter pecan cookies are a delicious and classic treat that everyone loves. They’re soft and chewy on the inside, with a crunchy exterior and a rich, buttery flavor. The addition of pecans gives the cookies a nutty crunch and a delicious flavor boost.
But what makes pecan cookies so special? For one thing, they’re incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed on their own, or used to make other desserts, such as ice cream sandwiches or cookie pies. Butter pecan cookies are also a great gift for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about butter pecan cookies. We’ll discuss their history, how to make them, and some fun ways to enjoy them.
History
The exact origins of these cookies are unknown, but they are thought to have originated in the southern United States in the early 1900s. Pecans were a popular ingredient in many Southern desserts at the time, and butter cookies were likely invented as a way to use up leftover pecans.
Butter cookies quickly became popular throughout the United States, and they are now a staple of American cuisine. They are especially popular during the holidays, but they can be enjoyed year-round.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Making butter cookies is relatively easy, even for beginner bakers. All you need are a few simple ingredients, including butter, sugar, flour, eggs, pecans, and vanilla extract.
To make butter pecan cookies, simply cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Finally, fold in the pecans. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
Tips for Making the Best Butter Pecan Cookies
Here are a few tips for making the best butter cookies:
Use room temperature ingredients. This will help ensure that your cookies are soft and chewy.
Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can make your cookies tough.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
Bake the cookies just until they are golden brown. Overbaking will make them dry and hard.
Fun Ways to Enjoy Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter pecan cookies are delicious on their own, but there are many other ways to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas:
Serve them with a scoop of ice cream and whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
Use them to make ice cream sandwiches. Simply scoop ice cream between two cookies and freeze until solid.
Make a cookie pie by placing a layer of cookies on a pie plate and filling it with your favorite pie filling. Bake until the filling is set.
Crumble butter cookies and use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 ½ cups 175 grams pecan halves
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup 226 grams unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 ¼ cups 250 grams packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup 100 grams granulated sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups 375 grams all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup 120 grams Heath Toffee bits, optional
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the pecan filling: Chop the pecans into small pieces. Set aside.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the chopped pecans and toffee bits, if using.
- Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown and set. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy!
FAQ
What kind of pecans should I use for butter pecan cookies?
You can use any type of pecans for your pecan cookies. However, chopped pecans will give the cookies a more even distribution of nuts.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans in butter pecan cookies?
Yes, you can substitute other nuts for pecans in butter cookies. Some popular substitutions include walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts.
How can I store butter pecan cookies?
Store butter pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze butter pecan cookies for up to 3 months.
How can I make my butter pecan cookies chewier?
To make your butter pecan cookies chewier, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes. You can also add 1/4 cup of cornstarch to the dough. Cornstarch helps to absorb moisture, which results in chewier cookies.
Conclusion
Butter pecan cookies are a delicious and versatile treat that everyone loves. They’re easy to make and can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, be sure to give butter cookies a try.
If you are looking for more cookie recipes to keep your snack box filled, take a look at our famous flourless peanut butter cookies recipe.
