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Brown Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Delightful brown butter pecan cookies blend nutty richness with sweet caramel undertones, creating an irresistible treat. Crisp edges and chewy centers promise a memorable indulgence that will transport dessert enthusiasts to pure comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Additions:

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or almond/soy milk for vegan)

Instructions

  1. Transform butter in a light-colored pan over gentle heat, swirling continuously until it reaches a rich amber hue and releases a deep, toasted fragrance. Transfer the caramelized liquid to a spacious mixing vessel and allow it to cool momentarily.
  2. Integrate brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla essence, salt, ground cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg into the golden butter. Vigorously whisk until the mixture achieves a smooth, harmonious consistency.
  3. Gently fold in all-purpose flour, baking powder, and finely chopped pecan pieces. Incorporate a splash of milk, stirring until a cohesive, slightly dense dough materializes.
  4. Refrigerate the cookie mixture for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.
  5. Craft uniform dough spheres, delicately pressing them into gentle discs. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, garnishing each cookie with additional pecan fragments for visual appeal and textural contrast.
  6. Position the cookie sheet in a preheated 350°F oven, baking for 11-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly tender.
  7. After removing from the oven, let cookies rest on the hot baking sheet for an additional 10 minutes, which helps them set and develop a perfect chewy interior.
  8. Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature and achieve maximum flavor development.

Notes

  • Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and enhance the overall cookie aroma.
  • Use unsalted butter for precise control over the salt content, ensuring perfectly balanced sweetness.
  • Chill dough longer for thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape better during baking.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 162
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg