Butter Pecan Cookies

November 15, 2022

INGREDIENTS

  • 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a 300 degrees F oven, toast the chopped pecans on a large parchment paper lined baking sheet for 10 minutes. Stir twice during the time. Turn off the oven and set pecans aside.
  2. In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add both the sugars and beat on medium high speed until fluffy and light in color. Beat in the eggs and vanilla on high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom fo the bowl as needed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt together until combined. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be quite thick. Add the toasted chopped pecans, mix on low for about 5 to 10 seconds until evenly distributed. Cover dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days. Chilling is essential for the cookie to bake properly.
  4. Remove the cookie dough from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or so.
  5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  6. Once chilled, the dough may be slightly dry but it will come together if you work the dough with your hands as you roll into individual balls. Scoop and roll balls of dough, about 1 tablespoon of dough each, into balls.
  7. Bake the cookies for 11-12 minutes, slightly longer if you want a crispy cookie. They will be golden brown around the edges.
  8. The cookies will look very soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for 5 to 10 minutes then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely. Make approximately 30 cookies.

Optional

Before placing the cookies on the cookie sheet to bake, you may roll them in sugar for a pretty cookie that sparkles for optimum effect on your holiday table. If you like salty/sweet, you can also sprinkle small traces of sea salt on the cookies as they come out of the oven. ENJOY!