Manning Cookies
Manning Cookies are buttery, nutty treats with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat together butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and blend well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, blending well.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Divide the dough into two balls.
- Wrap each in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Flatten the dough and cut into 15 to 16 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into small, marble-sized balls.
- Place the balls on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake at 375° to 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until firm but not browned.
- While warm, dust the cookies with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of powdered sugar. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute the pecans with chocolate chips or dried fruit. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier blending. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These Manning Cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a special treat, serve them alongside a scoop of Chocolate-Pistachio Ice Cream Pie. They make excellent gifts when packaged in decorative tins, especially during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie balls before baking; just thaw them in the refrigerator and bake as directed. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Manning Cookies contains roughly 235 calories, with 3g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% 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 make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the formed cookie balls and bake them fresh when you're ready for a treat.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. Just make sure any substitutions are finely chopped for even distribution in the dough.
Why are my cookies not browning?
These cookies are meant to be soft and light in color. If you prefer a more golden appearance, you can bake them at the higher end of the temperature range and keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
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).