Pecan Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie. These soft, buttery cookies are enhanced with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, making them perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or as an everyday treat. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and crisp edges, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
Explore more irresistible cookie recipes in our Holiday Cookie Collection or Quick Baking Ideas.
Ingredients for Pecan Sugar Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Optional Garnish:
- Extra pecan halves for decorating
- A sprinkle of granulated sugar
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Cookie scoop
For more baking essentials, visit our Cookie Baking Tools Guide.
How to Make Pecan Sugar Cookies
1. Mix the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
3. Scoop and Bake
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
- If desired, press a pecan half onto the top of each cookie and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Sugar Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is soft for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Check out our Ultimate Cookie Baking Tips for more pro advice.
Variations of Pecan Sugar Cookies
- Cinnamon Pecan Cookies: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped Pecan Cookies: Dip cooled cookies halfway into melted chocolate and let them set.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
FAQs About Pecan Sugar Cookies
How long do Pecan Sugar Cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have pecans?
Substitute with walnuts or almonds for a similar nutty flavor.
Internal Backlinks
- Explore more nutty treats like our Classic Pecan Pie or Maple Pecan Bars.
- Learn how to perfect your cookies with our Cookie Baking Tips.
- Discover our Holiday Baking Favorites.
External Backlinks
- Learn about the health benefits of pecans.
- Expert tips on choosing the best nuts for baking.
- Find more cookie recipes on Food Network’s Cookie Collection.
Conclusion
Pecan Sugar Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. Try the variations to customize your batch and check out more Cookie Recipes to keep the baking fun going!
Enjoy every delicious bite! 😊