Best Pecan Sugar Cookies

These Best Pecan Sugar Cookies combine the classic sweetness of sugar cookies with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans for a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of these cookies is complemented by the crunch of finely chopped pecans, making them irresistible with every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just for a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit!

Look forward to the perfect balance of a soft and chewy sugar cookie with a delightful crunch from the toasted pecans. The buttery flavor is rich but not overwhelming, while the addition of pecans adds a savory sweetness that makes these cookies stand out. Whether you enjoy them with a glass of milk or on their own, these cookies are the ultimate comfort snack that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Tools to Use

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar (for rolling the cookies)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light, about 3-4 minutes. This will help create a light, fluffy cookie texture.
Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Incorporate the Pecans:
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form the Cookies:
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball of dough in the extra 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, coating them lightly.
Bake:
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers for a more traditional cookie shape.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The centers will still be soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Best Pecan Sugar Cookies

Equipment

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
Cookie scoop or tablespoon

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup sugar for rolling the cookies

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until creamy and light, about 3-4 minutes. This will help create a light, fluffy cookie texture.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and beat until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Incorporate the Pecans:
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form the Cookies:
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form small balls of dough, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball of dough in the extra 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, coating them lightly.
Bake:
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers for a more traditional cookie shape.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies begin to turn golden brown. The centers will still be soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Cooking

Chill the Dough: For extra thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Pecan Toasting: If you’d like to intensify the flavor of the pecans, toast them lightly in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before chopping and adding them to the dough.
Customize the Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

These Pecan Sugar Cookies are a simple yet decadent twist on a classic favorite. The combination of soft, chewy texture and the nutty crunch of pecans makes each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday, or just because, these cookies are sure to become a beloved treat. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them a go-to recipe that’s guaranteed to impress.

These Best Pecan Sugar Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—soft, chewy, sweet, and just the right amount of crunch. They make the perfect treat for any occasion, or just a sweet pick-me-up to enjoy throughout the week. With their irresistible flavor and comforting texture, you’ll be reaching for another before you know it. Happy baking!