If you’re searching for a dessert that’s rich, nutty, and simply melts in your mouth, look no further than these Pecan Sugar Cookies. Every bite balances the buttery crumb of a classic sugar cookie with toasted pecan crunch, making them a treat no one will be able to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie exchange or just whipping up a batch to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies add a sophisticated twist to an old favorite. Bring a taste of warmth and southern charm to your kitchen with these irresistible Pecan Sugar Cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create Pecan Sugar Cookies. Each component plays its part, from the creamy butter base for flavor and texture, to the pecans for their signature nutty note and delightful crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The backbone of tenderness and rich flavor. Let it come to room temperature for the smoothest dough.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie and gives it those crisp, delicate edges we love.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for a soft, dreamy bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and elevates the flavor—don’t skip it!
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure so your cookies hold their shape yet remain tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a subtle lift, ensuring the cookies are just thick enough and a little chewy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans: The star! Adds rich, nutty flavor and the perfect bit of crunch—try toasting them first for extra depth.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling): Creates a sparkly, sweet crust on the cookies that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Pecan Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready the moment you’re done mixing. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Having everything ready means you can move quickly once the dough is made, ensuring your Pecan Sugar Cookies bake up perfectly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or sturdy spatula to cream together your softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy—this step is crucial for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so special.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then mix until everything is smoothly combined. The egg helps bring the dough together, while the vanilla infuses every crumble with a warm, comforting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed, so your cookies bake up with perfectly even flavor and lift.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or gently by hand just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as no more streaks of flour remain for tender Pecan Sugar Cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Finely Chopped Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. This way, every bite includes those irresistible buttery, nutty morsels that set these cookies apart.
Step 7: Shape and Coat in Sugar
Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon sized portions (a cookie scoop works wonders here) and roll each ball in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. This coating gives your cookies a beautiful sparkle and a sweet crunch once baked.
Step 8: Flatten and Bake
Place the sugar-coated dough balls onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Use the bottom of a glass or the palm of your hand to gently flatten each ball, then slide the sheets into the hot oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of your Pecan Sugar Cookies are lightly golden.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—a quick rest that helps them set without becoming too firm. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then pour yourself a glass of milk and try one while they’re fresh.
How to Serve Pecan Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Sometimes a simple finish enhances everything! For a little extra flair, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped toasted pecans on top of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven, or dust with a whisper of powdered sugar before serving. You could even drizzle a quick icing for a more decadent touch, though they’re absolutely wonderful just as they are.
Side Dishes
Pecan Sugar Cookies pair beautifully with hot beverages—think a robust cup of coffee, a swirl of hot cocoa, or a cozy mug of chai. For a special dessert platter, serve them alongside fresh fruit (like sliced apples or pears) or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these cookies into edible gifts by stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or arrange them in a vintage tin for a nostalgic feel. For gatherings, build a cookie board featuring different nuts, dried fruits, and sweet spreads, with these Pecan Sugar Cookies as the star attraction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Pecan Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They’ll retain their lovely texture, and the flavors tend to deepen even more after a day or two as the butter and pecans infuse the cookies.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll be good for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To recapture that freshly baked warmth, pop a cookie or two into a preheated 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes, or even give them a quick 10–15 second zap in the microwave. They’ll taste just like they came out of the oven!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Absolutely! If you only have salted butter on hand, reduce the added salt to a pinch (or about 1/8 teaspoon). The cookies will still come out delicious, with just a slightly more savory note that complements the pecans beautifully.
How fine should the pecans be chopped?
Aim for finely chopped, but not powdered. You want small pieces—think roughly the size of chocolate chips—so you get a nutty crunch in every bite without overwhelming the tender crumb of the cookie.
Can I toast the pecans ahead of time?
Yes, in fact, toasting your pecans first is a fantastic idea! Let them cool completely before adding to the dough. Toasted pecans bring out a deeper, richer flavor that makes these Pecan Sugar Cookies stand out.
Do I need to chill the dough?
No chilling is required for these cookies, which means you can go from craving to cookie in less than half an hour. However, if your kitchen is especially warm and your dough seems sticky, a quick 15-minute chill can help with shaping.
Are Pecan Sugar Cookies suitable for gifting?
They’re perfect for gifting! Their sturdy texture and beautiful sugar coating make them travel well, and their nutty, buttery flavor appeals to just about everyone. Tie up a batch with a ribbon, and you’ll have a homemade present no one will forget.
Pecan Sugar Cookies: Final Thoughts
Sharing these Pecan Sugar Cookies is like sending a hug from your kitchen. They’re easy enough for any weeknight craving but special enough for holiday tins and celebrations. I can’t wait for you to taste and share these nutty, buttery beauties with the people you love!
Print
Pecan Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pecan Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a buttery, nutty flavor. Perfectly sweet and easy to make, they are ideal for holiday gatherings or a simple indulgence anytime.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, then fold in the chopped pecans.
- Form and bake: Scoop the dough into 1-tablespoon portions, roll in sugar, place on baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- To toast pecans, bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
