Indulge in the sumptuous flavors of these pecan sugar cookies, where brown sugar harmonizes with molasses, maple syrup, cinnamon, and more, delivering a rich and satisfying taste experience with every morsel. Whether you’re seeking sweet treats for the holidays or simply adore the union of sugar and pecans, this recipe is sure to impress. You won’t be disappointed by the outcome! These soft, sweet, and gently spiced cookies boast toasted pecans, vanilla extract, dark brown sugar, and other delightful ingredients, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different nuts in your baking endeavors – perhaps an amaretto cream pie with almond crust or easy chocolate pistachio eclairs will be the perfect inspiration. And if you’re craving something more rustic, this easy monkey bread is also a delightful option to explore and enjoy.
Why You’ll Love Them
While there’s no shortage of scrumptious sugar cookie recipes out there, they all share one undeniable trait: their irresistible deliciousness! The aromatic warmth of spices in these sweet treats makes them an ideal match for the holiday season, whether you’re looking to gift them, indulge yourself, or a little bit of both. And the best part? Making these pecan sugar cookies is as straightforward as it gets – no specialized skills or equipment required here! Simply combine your ingredients, cut out your cookie shapes, pop them in the oven, and if you feel like getting fancy, add a glaze or frosting to finish them off.
How to Make This Pecan Sugar Cookie Recipe
To begin, combine the butter, sugars, and maple syrup in a mixing bowl. Next, add the vanilla extract and egg to create the cookie batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and pecans. Then, merge these dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Once combined, shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes. Preheat your oven to bake the cookies until they’re golden brown around the edges. Allow them to cool completely before glazing or frosting if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to elevate your cookies by adding a hint of apple pie spice or nutmeg to the dough. Alternatively, get creative with toppings like royal icing, brown butter icing, or store-bought frosting. However, it’s completely up to you whether you choose to frost, glaze, or top them at all.In the absence of salted butter, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute in your cookie dough, accompanied by a small amount of added salt for that perfect balance of flavors.
How to Store Sugar Cookies with Pecans
When it comes to storing these treats, you have two main options: room temperature storage or freezing. If you choose the former, they’ll remain fresh for about a week if kept in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can freeze them by placing them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for a couple of hours before transferring them into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. In this case, enjoy them within three months of freezing.
Pecan Sugar Cookie FAQs
To elevate these treats from plain to palate-pleasing, consider whipping up a delectable glaze. For a quick fix, combine one cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk or cream, and add a dash of vanilla extract for extra depth. This mixture serves as a suitable alternative to homemade or store-bought frosting.
As for the dough’s consistency, it should be quite thick – ideal for utilizing a dough whisk or, alternatively, working the mixture with your hands like you would with bread dough. The density of sugar cookie dough can make it challenging to manipulate, so these techniques can help you achieve the desired texture.
Brown Sugar Pecan Cookies Recipe
Pecan Sugar Cookies
Bella Bucchiotti’s sweet treat, these brown sugar pecan sugar cookies are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With their rich, caramel-like flavor, they’re the perfect indulgence for Christmas baking. And with just one hour of prep time, 12 minutes of cooking, and 30 minutes of cooling, you can have a batch of 24 delicious cookies ready in no time.
Instructions
Combine butter, light brown sugar, powdered sugar, and maple syrup in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, then add vanilla extract and an egg, mixing well to incorporate. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and chopped pecans. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly between each addition. The dough will be thick; a Danish dough whisk or mixing spoon can help with this step. Once you have formed a dough ball, wrap it in plastic film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. If you’re working in a hot kitchen, consider dividing the dough in half and keeping one portion chilled. Use a cookie cutter to shape the dough into cookies, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool in the pan for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat this process until all the dough has been used, and then either enjoy the cookies unglazed or glaze once they’ve cooled.
Notes
To craft the perfect glaze, start by combining one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of milk or cream. For an added touch of flavor, consider incorporating a few drops of vanilla extract. This classic combination provides a sweet and creamy base that can be tailored to suit your specific needs.