Chewy Pecan Cookies
Chewy Pecan Cookies offer a delightful combination of crispy edges and chewy centers, featuring warm spices, sweet raisins, and crunchy pecans perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (margarine) ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin or apple pie spice ⓘ
- 2 cups Quick oats ⓘ
- 2 cups raisins ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and pie spice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and mix well.
- Stir in oats, raisins, and chopped pecans; mix until evenly distributed.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet, spacing them appropriately.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until light golden brown.
- Remove from oven and transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. If you want a nut-free version, you can substitute the pecans with sunflower seeds. For added flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or using dark brown sugar instead of light. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These chewy pecan cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. For a festive twist, try serving them with Banana Butterscotch Parfaits for a unique dessert pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chewy Pecan Cookies contains roughly 2940 calories, with 28g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 223g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (301% of the Daily Value), calcium (109% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2170mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. Each type of nut will impart its unique flavor to the cookies, allowing for some tasty variations. Just chop them roughly and fold them into the dough as you would with pecans.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free chewy pecan cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum to help provide structure. Also, double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your cookie dough is overly sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the butter and make the dough easier to handle. Alternatively, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).