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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt together in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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