Three of Our Favorite Pecan Cookie Recipes
There is a reason why people love putting pecans in their cookies. In fact, pecan cookie recipes are some of our readers’ favorites. But why are pecans great for cookies? Well, pecans are a popular choice for cookies because they add a unique flavor and texture to the dough. Pecans have a rich, buttery taste that complements the sweetness of the cookie dough, and their slightly crunchy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the softness of the cookie.
Pecans also contain healthy fats and protein, which can make cookies a bit more satisfying and filling. Additionally, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. They are really good for you! It is no great secret that the addition of pecans to cookies can enhance both their taste and nutritional value. That’s why pecans are a popular choice for bakers looking to create delicious and satisfying treats.
So, without further delay, let’s dive into our favorite pecan cookie recipes!
Pecan Snowball Cookies
Pecan snowball cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, are small, round cookies that are typically made with a mixture of ground pecans, flour, butter, and powdered sugar. The dough is shaped into balls and baked until slightly golden.
After baking, the cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, which gives them their snowball-like appearance. Pecan snowball cookies are often served during the winter holidays and can be enjoyed as a sweet and nutty treat with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. This classic holiday cookie is coated with powdered sugar to make them even more festive and irresistible. Add them to your holiday baking list today.
Every holiday baking list needs some shortbread. These pecan snowball cookies are the most classic shortbread-type Christmas cookie. Sweet and nutty pecan snowball cookies (Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are little melt-in-your-mouth balls of buttery shortbread with nuts.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup of finely chopped pecans
For rolling:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Instructions
Step One
Cream the butter and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step Two
Add the vanilla and beat on medium until incorporated. Gradually add the flour and beat on low speed until combined. Add the pecans and beat until incorporated. Turn the mixer to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until the dough becomes more breadcrumb-like and less dry (You should be able to easily shape the dough into a ball using your hands).
Step Three
Line two half-sheet baking pans with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Scoop out a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball with your hands and place an inch apart on the baking sheet. Once the baking sheet is full, transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for one hour.
Step Five
Preheat your oven to 350 F. Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, until they are golden brown on the bottom edges.
Step Six
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them in a bowl of confectioners' sugar while still warm, until completely coated. Transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The sugar at this stage will melt and be slightly sticky. Roll them again in confectioners' sugar once completely cooled.
Do these cookies sound delicious or what? To store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. We suggest storing each in a mini cupcake liner so that they don't smudge into each other.
Freezing them is even easier. Arrange snowball cookies in an airtight container, in single layers layered in between pieces of parchment paper. We also like to store each cookie in a mini cupcake liner so that they don't smudge into each other. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Yum! Have we got your sweet tooth vibrating? Let’s move on to our next pecan cookie favorites.
Pecan Shortbread Cookies
Pecan shortbread cookies are a type of cookie that combines the buttery and crumbly texture of shortbread with the nutty flavor and crunch of pecans. The dough for these cookies is typically made with a mixture of flour, butter, sugar, and finely chopped pecans. The dough is then formed into a log and chilled before being sliced and baked. The resulting cookies are tender, buttery, and rich, with a subtle pecan flavor that complements the sweetness of the shortbread. Pecan shortbread cookies are a delicious and simple treat that is perfect for any occasion. Everyone in your household will love them!
Pecan shortbread cookies are great because they are rolled in brown sugar and more pecans, sliced and baked. Does it get much better than that? They are so easy to make, which means you can whip them up any time. They are, quite simply, the perfect cookie to include as part of a cookie exchange on your holiday baking list, or for any time of the year. Now let’s dig into how to make these delicious cookies.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 + ¼ cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
For rolling:
1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
Instructions
Step One
Cream the butter and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Step Two
Add the vanilla and beat on medium until incorporated. Gradually add the flour and beat on low speed until combined. Add pecans and beat until incorporated. Turn the mixer to high speed and beat for 2 minutes until the dough becomes more breadcrumb-like and less dry.
Step Three
Divide the dough in half and shape each into a ball. Then roll into a log, 2 inches in diameter. You can roll it thicker, but you will get fewer cookies out of it.
Step Four
Wrap the logs tightly with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, up to overnight.
Step Five
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two half-sheet baking pans with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
Step Six
In a small bowl, stir together the pecans and dark brown sugars until they’re combined. Transfer them to a large plate and roll the chilled logs all over until it is completely coated. If you are having trouble getting the coating to stick, then try rolling the cookies in the coating after you have sliced them.
Step Seven
Use a sharp long knife to cut the dough into ¼-inch to ½-inch slices, and place them on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just starting to brown on the edges.
Step Eight
Allow cookies to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
These cookies are going to have you and your family’s mouth watering! To store them, wait until they are cooled and then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To freeze them, arrange the cookies in single layers in an airtight container, layered in between pieces of parchment paper. Then you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
There are also specific storage instructions for the shortbread cookie dough. Store shortbread cookie dough once shaped into a log and wrapped tightly with cling wrap for up to 3 days in the refrigerator before baking.
To freeze it, once the dough has been shaped into a log and wrapped tightly with cling wrap, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and you can store them for up to 3 months. To use, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the kitchen counter for one hour before coating, slicing, and baking.
Now that we’ve put some calories on just reading about these cookies, let’s examine a healthier variety of cookie.
Pumpkin Energy Bites with Pecans
Wholesome and healthy pumpkin energy bites are packed with real pumpkin, peanut butter, raisins, pecans, and coconut for a delicious and healthy alternative to satisfy your late-night pumpkin pie dessert cravings. Your health will thank you after you eat these delicious pumpkin bits. Even better, unlike pumpkin pie, these energy balls are gluten-free and vegan. Plus, they are so easy to whip up with just 15 minutes of prep and can be no bake. Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert because… chocolate chips!
Let’s find out why these energy bites will both stimulate your taste buds and your energy level!
Ingredients
1 cup raisins
1 cup pecans
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Step One
In a food processor, add raisins and pecans, and mix on low speed for 1 minute until finely blended into a paste. Add pumpkin puree, shredded coconut, peanut butter, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Pulse mix on and off for 1 minute, until the mixture is well combined.
Step Two
Transfer the mixture into a bowl and fold in the chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Step Three
Take a spoonful of the pumpkin mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight to harden.
Step Four
You can enjoy the pumpkin bites as is, or if they are too sticky and soft for your liking, then bake them in a 350F preheated oven for 20 minutes to help firm them up a little more. Cool to room temperature and enjoy.
Even better, you can store these delicious snacks for up to a week. How? Well, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to one week. They also freeze easily. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To eat, let it thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator first, and then enjoy.
Wow, wow, wow! These pecan cookie recipes have got us itching for some fresh-baked pecan cookies. And these aren’t our only pecan recipes.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Butternut Squash
Three Vegan Pecan Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind
Four of the Most Unexpected Pecan Recipes
It’s time to head into the kitchen with Delicious Pecans!