Pecan Pie Cookies

Pecan Pie Cookies: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you love the rich, buttery flavor of pecan pie, these Pecan Pie Cookies are the perfect treat for you. They combine the best of both worlds: the chewy, nutty goodness of pecan pie and the soft, buttery texture of cookies. These cookies are easy to make and are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a sweet snack to enjoy at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups light or dark brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 cup salted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups pecan halves

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This creaming process helps to incorporate air into the dough, giving the cookies a light texture.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the eggs are added, as this can make the cookies tough.

2. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Using a spatula, gently fold in the pecan halves until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans add a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the cookies.

3. Chill the Dough:
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances the flavor.

4. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

5. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Using a small cookie dough scoop or your hands, form 1.25-inch dough balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheets. Be sure to leave at least 3 inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading.

Bake the cookies in the center of the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden brown. The centers should still look soft, as the cookies will continue to set as they cool.

6. Cool and Serve:
Optional: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle them with thick flakes of sea salt for an extra layer of flavor. The salt complements the sweetness of the cookies and enhances the overall taste.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step ensures that the cookies firm up and develop their final texture.

Quick Facts:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Calories: 200 kcal per cookie
• Servings: 24 cookies

Tips for Success:

• Butter Consistency: Make sure the butter is at room temperature before mixing. This helps it incorporate more easily with the sugar and eggs.
• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It’s essential for helping the cookies maintain their shape and preventing them from spreading too much during baking.
• Pecan Pieces: For more texture, you can coarsely chop some of the pecans before adding them to the dough.

Final Thoughts:

These Pecan Pie Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm, comforting flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of a cookie. They’re perfect for holiday baking, cookie swaps, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. With their chewy texture, crunchy pecans, and rich buttery flavor, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try and enjoy a taste of pecan pie in every bite!

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