Irresistible Homemade Pecan Sugar Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treats

Soft, buttery cookies studded with crunchy pecan sugar cookies recipe bring warmth to any kitchen gathering.

The aroma of brown sugar and toasted nuts will instantly draw people closer.

These delightful treats melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty richness.

Each bite delivers a comforting texture that reminds you of cherished home-baked memories.

The simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making these cookies a breeze to whip up.

Crumbly, golden edges and a tender center make these pecan sugar cookies irresistible.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a batch of pure deliciousness that everyone will adore.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 22

Pecan Sugar Cookies Ingredient Line-Up

• Pecans: Fragrant nuts that add crunch and rich, buttery flavor to the cookies, choose fresh, whole pecans without any signs of rancidity or discoloration.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender texture, select unbleached flour for best results.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cookie flavor, use freshly ground for maximum potency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine table salt.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, creamy base and helps cookies hold shape, use room temperature butter for smooth mixing.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and moistness, choose dark brown sugar for more intense flavor.
• Large Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness, use fresh, room temperature egg.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides classic sweet undertone, opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation.

• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy icing, sift to remove lumps.
• Milk: Helps achieve desired icing consistency, whole milk works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor to the icing, use pure vanilla.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall taste.

Baking Tools for Pecan Sugar Cookies

• Baking Sheets: Large, flat pans for baking cookies evenly.
• Parchment Paper/Silicone Baking Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Stand or Handheld Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and mixing dough smoothly.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium and large sizes for dry and wet ingredients.
• Paddle Attachment: Helps mix cookie dough without overmixing.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creating smooth mixtures.
• Cookie Cutters: Shapes the dough into beautiful cookie designs.
• Light-Colored Skillet: Helps monitor butter browning precisely.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out dough to consistent thickness.
• Knife or Spatula: Useful for spreading icing and cutting dough.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Make Soft Pecan Sugar Cookies

• Pecan Preparation

Warm your oven and spread pecans on a lined baking sheet. Roast until they release a rich, nutty fragrance. Let them cool and chop into delicate pieces.

• Dough Creation

Mix flour, spices, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until silky smooth. Add egg and vanilla, blending until perfectly combined.

• Dough Handling

Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Gently mix in toasted pecans. Roll dough between parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator to firm up.

• Cookie Shaping

Remove chilled dough and cut into charming shapes using festive cookie cutters. Arrange on baking sheets with plenty of space between each cookie.

• Baking Magic

Slide cookies into a preheated oven. Bake until edges turn a delicate golden brown. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a cooling rack.

• Brown Butter Icing

Melt butter in a light pan, watching it transform into a nutty, caramel-colored delight. Whisk in powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth and glossy.

• Final Touch

Dip or spread icing over cooled cookies. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch. Let icing set completely before serving or storing.

• Cookie Storage

Keep these delectable treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days, ready to be enjoyed whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Tips for Better Pecan Sugar Cookies

• Add ground nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for an extra warm, aromatic twist that complements the toasted pecans beautifully.
• Create chocolate or maple-flavored brown butter icing by substituting some milk with maple syrup or adding cocoa powder for a decadent upgrade.
• Freeze the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting for fresh cookies anytime.

When and How to Serve Pecan Sugar Cookies

• Elevate Holiday Gatherings: Serve these pecan sugar cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh mint for a stunning presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement the cookies with rich hot cocoa, spiced chai latte, or robust coffee to enhance the nutty, buttery flavors of the pecan treat.
• Create Cookie Gift Packages: Stack cookies between parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and add a handwritten note for a delightful homemade gift perfect for teachers, neighbors, or family friends.
• Perfect for Afternoon Tea: Arrange cookies on a vintage cake stand alongside light sandwiches and scones for an elegant tea time spread that celebrates the warmth of homemade baking.

Storing Pecan Sugar Cookies for Later Nibbles

• Maximize Cookie Freshness: Store cooled, decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delightful crunch and flavor.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Seal cookies in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, keeping them tasty and ready to savor.
• Freeze for Future Treats: Wrap undecorated cookies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a sweet surprise anytime.
• Prevent Moisture Mishaps: Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper when storing to prevent sticking and protect the delicate brown butter icing from becoming soggy.

Sweet Pecan Sugar Cookies Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Homemade pecan sugar cookies offer a delightful blend of nutty richness and sweet comfort. Crisp edges, buttery texture, and delicate pecan crumble create a perfect companion for afternoon tea or coffee.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cups (150g) pecan halves
• ¾ cup (12 tbsps; 170g) unsalted butter
• 6 tbsps (85g) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) milk
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Roast Pecans: Spread pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and golden, then cool and finely chop.
2. Prepare Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Create Butter Base: Cream softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, then blend in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Develop Cookie Dough: Fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed, gently incorporating toasted chopped pecans. Adjust consistency with additional flour if needed.
5. Chill and Shape: Roll dough between parchment paper sheets to 1/4-inch thickness, stack, wrap, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
6. Cut and Bake: Cut chilled dough into desired shapes, arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets, and bake for 12-13 minutes until edges are golden brown.
7. Craft Brown Butter Icing: Melt butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat, stirring until golden brown and nutty (5-8 minutes). Cool slightly, then whisk in confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
8. Finish and Decorate: Cool cookies briefly on the baking sheet, transfer to a wire rack, then dip or spread with brown butter icing. Sprinkle remaining chopped pecans on top and allow to set completely at room temperature.
9. Store Cookies: Preserve decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 10 days.

Notes

• Toasting Pecans: Roasting nuts intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch, transforming ordinary cookies into extraordinary treats.
• Chilling Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading and ensures crisp, beautifully shaped cookies with clean edges.
• Brown Butter Magic: Browning butter creates a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cookie’s taste profile and adds depth to the icing.
• Icing Technique: Allow icing to set completely for a professional finish and optimal texture that keeps cookies looking fresh and tasting delicious.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg