ADVERTISEMENT
### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
#### **2. Prepare the Dough:**
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract and beat again until well combined.
#### **3. Add Dry Ingredients:**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix; just combine until there are no more streaks of flour.
#### **4. Incorporate the Pecans:**
Next, fold in the chopped pecans (or whole halves if you prefer a chunkier texture). Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
#### **5. Shape the Cookies:**
Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want a more polished look, you can gently flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon.
#### **6. Bake the Cookies:**
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking, as oven times can vary. These cookies may look soft at first, but they will firm up as they cool.
#### **7. Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional):**
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar. This is optional, but it gives them a beautiful, festive appearance.
### **Tips and Variations:**
– **Toast the Pecans:** For an even deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the dough. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
– **Chocolate Chips:** For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips to the dough along with the pecans. The combination of pecans and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser.
– **Storage:** Store the pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
### **Why You’ll Love These Pecan Cookies:**
1. **Buttery & Crunchy:** The blend of buttery dough and the crunchy texture of the pecans makes each bite satisfying and delicious.
2. **Perfect for All Occasions:** Whether you’re hosting a party, need a gift, or want a treat for your afternoon tea, pecan cookies are a great choice.
3. **Easy to Make:** With only a few ingredients and simple steps, these cookies are easy to whip up and perfect for bakers of any skill level.
4. **Customizable:** Feel free to add other ingredients like chocolate, dried fruits, or spices to make this recipe your own!
—
### **Conclusion:**
Pecan cookies are a timeless treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a soft, buttery cookie base. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or gift, they are sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy baking these delicious pecan cookies that everyone will love!
