Description
Delight in the tempting simplicity of homemade Pecan Delight Cookies, a recipe that combines the irresistible flavors of rich butter and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a thoughtful gift, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies offer the perfect blend of sweetness and texture to complement any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (4 sticks / 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Confectioners sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preparation
Preheat your oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies can be easily removed after baking.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the Confectioners sugar with the mixer at a lower speed.
3. Adding Liquids
Increase the mixer speed to medium and pour in the cold water and vanilla, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
4. Incorporating Flour
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the dough.
5. Adding Pecans and Chilling
Turn off the mixer and gently fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula. If the dough seems crumbly, this is normal. Shape the dough into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour to firm up.
6. Slicing and Baking
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator, slice it into discs approximately 1/4 inch thick, and arrange the discs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
7. Final Baking and Cooling
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, taking care to avoid over-browning. The cookies should be golden brown on the bottom with lightly colored edges. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before dusting with Confectioners sugar, if desired.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Yield: Approximately 48 cookies
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling)
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If desired, reheat cookies in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the flavors and bring back some of the original crunch.
Conclusion
Pecan Delight Cookies are an exquisite treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. Their buttery texture and pecan-filled bites offer a satisfying crunch. This straightforward recipe ensures that even novice bakers can impress guests or add a touch of homemade warmth to their snack selection. Enjoy the sensory blend of sweet and nutty in each delightful morsel of these wonderful cookies.
Print
Pecan Delight Cookies
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: Approximately 48 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the tempting simplicity of homemade Pecan Delight Cookies, a recipe that combines the irresistible flavors of rich butter and crunchy pecans. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a thoughtful gift, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon, these cookies offer the perfect blend of sweetness and texture to complement any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (4 sticks / 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup Confectioners sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies can be easily removed after baking.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the Confectioners sugar with the mixer at a lower speed.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and pour in the cold water and vanilla, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour to the creamed mixture, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the dough.
- Turn off the mixer and gently fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula. If the dough seems crumbly, this is normal. Shape the dough into a log and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour to firm up.
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator, slice it into discs approximately 1/4 inch thick, and arrange the discs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, taking care to avoid over-browning. The cookies should be golden brown on the bottom with lightly colored edges. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before dusting with Confectioners sugar, if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-17 minutes