Ruth'S Pecan Refrigerator Cookies

Prep: 720 min Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

Ruth's Pecan Refrigerator Cookies offer a rich, buttery flavor with crunchy pecans, perfect for make-ahead treats or satisfying cookie cravings with a delightful texture.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups melted butter or margarine
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 4 cups flour
  • scant teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients at night.
  2. Place the mixture in a pan with waxed paper and refrigerate overnight.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  4. Slice the chilled dough thinly, either into 1-inch squares or oblong shapes.
  5. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
  6. Cool on waxed paper. Store in tins or Ziploc bags.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can serve as excellent substitutes. To keep the cookies from spreading too much, ensure the dough is chilled thoroughly before baking. For an added twist, try incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These pecan refrigerator cookies make a delightful treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served as a sweet ending to a meal, pairing wonderfully with desserts like Brandied Apples or as part of a dessert platter. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain their freshness, you can also refrigerate them. If you prefer warm cookies, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in an oven set to low heat until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ruth'S Pecan Refrigerator Cookies contains roughly 2333 calories, with 31g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 179g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), protein (61% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2087mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

2333 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 30.7g 61% DV
Total Fat 179g 100% DV
Carbs 185g 67% DV
Fiber 28g 100% DV
Sugar 67.7g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2086.9mg 91% DV
Potassium 1711.6mg 36% DV
Cholesterol 162.5mg 54% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 63mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 35.9mg 40% DV
Calcium 407.8mg 31% DV
Iron 9.3mg 52% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
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 freeze the dough for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking as directed.

What adjustments can I make for a gluten-free version?

To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of wheat flour. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly based on the blend you choose.

How can I enhance the flavor of the cookies?

To boost the flavor, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Additionally, folding in chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries can add a delightful twist. Experiment with these additions to find your favorite combination!

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →