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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!

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.