Pecan Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for buttery, nutty treats, then these Pecan Sugar Cookies will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine the classic crispy-edged, chewy-centered sugar cookie, only now it’s been transformed with generous handfuls of toasted pecans. The result is a cookie that’s comforting, a little bit irresistible, and feels special enough for holidays but simple enough to become an everyday favorite. With just the right balance of sweetness and a subtle caramel note from brown sugar, each bite of these Pecan Sugar Cookies offers a tender chew and a crunch of fresh pecans. It’s the sort of recipe that quickly becomes a family legend.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are marvelously straightforward—nothing fancy, but when they come together, they create cookie magic. Each component plays a major part, so grab the freshest pecans and a touch of real vanilla for the best results.

• Unsalted Butter: Ensures great flavor and a soft, rich texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Gives the cookies their signature sweetness and helps them bake up with those golden, crisp edges.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a gentle hint of caramel flavor and makes the centers perfectly chewy.
• Egg: Binds everything together and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses each Pecan Sugar Cookie with warm, fragrant undertones.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure—scoop and level for the perfect cookie texture.
• Baking Powder: Lifts the cookies just enough for a soft, pillowy bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the pecan flavor pop.
• Pecans: The star of these cookies—toast and chop them for the most buttery, aromatic crunch.
• Sparkling Sugar (optional): For an extra fancy finish and a little sparkle on top.

How to Make Pecan Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Toast and Prepare the Pecans

Start by spreading the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet, then toast them in a 350°F oven for about 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. As soon as they’re fragrant, take them out, let them cool, and chop them roughly. This little extra step deepens their nutty flavor—it’s well worth it.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Add the room-temperature butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is fluffy and pale, about 3 minutes. This step makes your Pecan Sugar Cookies extra tender and light, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and drizzle in the vanilla extract. Beat everything together until just combined—your dough should smell absolutely amazing at this point.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this dry mixture gradually to the wet mixture, mixing on low so you don’t overwork the dough. Once it’s almost together and there are just a few floury streaks left, pause to get ready for the fun part.

Step 5: Fold in the Pecans

With a spatula, gently fold in the chopped, toasted pecans. Try not to overmix—you want sweet pockets of pecan in every bite. The dough will be on the soft side and full of irresistible toasty bits.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet, leaving space to spread. If you’re feeling a bit extra, sprinkle each ball with sparkling sugar. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and just barely golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack—they’ll firm up as they cool.

How to Serve Pecan Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a bakery-style touch, sprinkle your still-warm cookies with a pinch more sparkling sugar. You can also press a whole pecan gently on top of each cookie right out of the oven for a pretty finish that guests will ooh and ahh over.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a big mug of strong coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even curled up alongside a scoop of butter pecan ice cream. For holiday spreads, serve them with bowls of fresh fruit or a creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pecan Sugar Cookies into a thoughtful gift by stacking them in clear cellophane bags tied with twine, or layer them in a cookie tin with pieces of parchment in between. For parties, arrange them on a platter with chocolate-dipped shortbreads and candied pecans, or sandwich a scoop of caramel ice cream between two cookies for a dazzling dessert sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to five days—though, honestly, they rarely last that long around here!

Freezing

Pecan Sugar Cookies freeze wonderfully. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls; just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie (who doesn’t?), give your Pecan Sugar Cookies a quick 10-second zap in the microwave to bring back that just-baked magic. They also crisp up nicely with a few moments in a low oven.

FAQs

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts work well, though pecans have a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor that really makes these cookies sing. It’s fun to experiment with different nuts based on your preferences.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well for perfect Pecan Sugar Cookies every time.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, stirring once halfway. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells fragrant and nutty.

Do I have to chill the dough?

No chilling required! The dough for these Pecan Sugar Cookies is ready to bake right away, which means you can satisfy your cookie craving in record time.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Definitely! Use a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats or a larger one for bakery-style cookies. Just adjust the baking time a minute or two to suit the size, and check for those golden edges.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Pecan Sugar Cookies enough—whether you’re baking for a holiday or simply want something sweet on a weekday afternoon, they always deliver. Gather your ingredients, toast up those pecans, and get ready to fall in love with each golden, nutty bite. Happy baking!

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