Pecan Cookies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Pecan Cookies are crispy, buttery treats packed with crunchy pecans and rich caramel flavors. Perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence, they appeal to nut lovers and those who enjoy sweet, wholesome baked goods. These cookies are easy to make and delightfully addictive.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans

Instructions

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar together until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs and beat well to combine.
  3. Mix in the flour, salt, and baking soda until fully incorporated.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of these pecan cookies, consider toasting the pecans before mixing them into the dough. This will bring out their natural oils and deepen their taste. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses. For a variation, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for an extra twist.

Serving Suggestions

These pecan cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. To elevate your dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a slice of Lemon Ice Dessert for a refreshing contrast. They make a great addition to cookie platters or dessert spreads during gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pecan Cookies contains roughly 315 calories, with 4g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

315 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 19.7g 25% DV
Carbs 34.1g 12% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 10.7g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 568.9mg 25% DV
Potassium 251mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 64.8mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 16.5mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.4mg
Calcium 83mg 6% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 a different nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds, depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that different nuts can slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies, so choose one that you enjoy.

How can I make my cookies chewier?

To achieve chewier cookies, consider slightly underbaking them for 1-2 minutes. Additionally, you can increase the brown sugar ratio and reduce the granulated sugar, as brown sugar helps retain moisture. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also enhance chewiness.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will firm up the butter and make it easier to scoop. Alternatively, you can gradually add a bit more flour until the dough reaches 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).

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