Butter Pecan Rounds: A Classic Cookie Recipe with a Nutty Twist
Butter pecan rounds are a delightful cookie, combining the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the nutty crunch of pecans. This classic treat is perfect for holidays, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. This recipe provides detailed instructions to ensure perfectly baked, melt-in-your-mouth butter pecan rounds every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Classic Flavor:** The combination of butter and pecans is a timeless favorite.
* **Simple Ingredients:** This recipe uses common pantry staples.
* **Versatile:** These cookies can be enjoyed year-round.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The dough can be made in advance and chilled or frozen.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These cookies are great for gifting or bringing to gatherings.
Ingredients
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup pecan halves, finely chopped
* Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting
Equipment
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
* Cookie scoop (optional, for uniform size)
* Rolling pin (optional, if rolling out the dough)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is essential for creating a tender cookie.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Salt
1. Add the vanilla extract and salt to the creamed butter and sugar mixture.
2. Beat on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. The salt enhances the sweetness of the butter and sugar and balances the flavors.
Step 3: Gradually Add the Flour
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour.
2. Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should come together without being overworked. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cookie.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pecans
1. Add the finely chopped pecans to the dough.
2. Mix on low speed until the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Ensure that the pecans are finely chopped; larger pieces can make the cookies difficult to shape and can cause them to spread unevenly during baking. The pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
There are several ways to shape the cookies. Here are a few options:
* **Slice-and-Bake:** Divide the dough in half. On a lightly floured surface, shape each half into a log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days. This chilling time allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to slice and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. When ready to bake, slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
* **Drop Cookies:** Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten the cookies with the bottom of a glass or your fingers.
* **Rolled Cookies:** On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets. This method is ideal if you want to create decorative cookies.
Step 6: Chill the Shaped Cookies (Recommended)
1. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
2. Cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap and chill the cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the shaped cookies helps prevent them from spreading too much during baking and ensures that they hold their shape.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the chilled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies. They should be firm to the touch but still slightly soft in the center.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
1. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheets before transferring them prevents them from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft. Once cooled, the cookies will firm up and be easier to handle.
Step 9: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)
1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
2. Place the powdered sugar in a fine-mesh sieve and gently sift it over the cookies.
Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Rounds
* **Use Softened Butter:** Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will help create a light and fluffy texture.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough before shaping the cookies helps prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
* **Finely Chop the Pecans:** Finely chopped pecans will distribute more evenly throughout the dough and prevent the cookies from being difficult to shape.
* **Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** These will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup easier.
* **Bake Evenly:** To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time.
* **Cool Completely:** Let the cookies cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or storing them.
Variations
* **Chocolate Butter Pecan Rounds:** Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolatey twist.
* **Maple Butter Pecan Rounds:** Substitute maple extract for the vanilla extract for a warm, maple flavor.
* **Salted Caramel Butter Pecan Rounds:** Drizzle the cooled cookies with salted caramel sauce for an extra decadent treat.
* **Spiced Butter Pecan Rounds:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Rounds:** Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular all-purpose flour. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
Storage
* **Store:** Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before serving.
* **Freeze Dough:** The cookie dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and baking.
Serving Suggestions
* Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
* Serve them as part of a dessert platter for parties or gatherings.
* Package them in a decorative tin or box for gifting.
* Pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a simple and elegant dessert.
* Crush them and use them as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per cookie)
* Calories: 120
* Fat: 8g
* Saturated Fat: 5g
* Cholesterol: 25mg
* Sodium: 20mg
* Carbohydrates: 12g
* Sugar: 6g
* Protein: 1g
Butter Pecan Rounds Recipe Card
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Chill Time:** 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
**Bake Time:** 10-12 minutes
**Yield:** Approximately 24 cookies
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 cup pecan halves, finely chopped
* Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla and salt: Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix until just combined.
3. Gradually add the flour: Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Incorporate the pecans: Add the finely chopped pecans to the dough and mix until evenly distributed.
5. Shape the cookies: Shape the dough into either slice-and-bake logs, drop cookies, or rolled cookies.
6. Chill the shaped cookies (Recommended): Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Cover the baking sheets with plastic wrap and chill the cookies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. Bake the cookies: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
8. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Dust with powdered sugar (Optional): Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious homemade butter pecan rounds! They’re the perfect treat for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. This recipe is a testament to the simple pleasures of baking and the delightful combination of buttery and nutty flavors. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, these cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible butter pecan rounds.
Experiment with the variations to find your favorite flavor combination. Add a touch of chocolate for a decadent treat, or incorporate spices for a warm and comforting cookie. The possibilities are endless. And don’t forget to share your creations with others! These cookies are perfect for gifting, bringing to potlucks, or simply enjoying with loved ones.
With their delicate texture, rich flavor, and delightful crunch, butter pecan rounds are a cookie that everyone will love. They’re a classic for a reason, and this recipe will help you create the perfect batch every time. Happy baking!