There’s something irresistibly charming about pecan finger cookies that makes them a timeless treat for any occasion. These delicate, buttery cookies are shaped into slender fingers and loaded with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans.
Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or packing them for a festive gathering, pecan finger cookies offer a perfect balance of crispness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Their elegant shape coupled with the crunch of toasted pecans makes these cookies a delightful indulgence that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through crafting these classic treats with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up a batch of these beauties.
Plus, they store wonderfully, so you can make them ahead of time for holiday parties or gift-giving. Let’s get started on making these delicious pecan finger cookies that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pecan finger cookie recipe is a keeper for several reasons. First, it uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, making it incredibly convenient.
The dough is easy to handle, and the cookies maintain their shape beautifully during baking.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the use of toasted pecans, which add a deep, toasty flavor and delightful crunch. The cookies are lightly sweetened, allowing the nutty aroma to shine without overpowering your palate.
Perfect for those who love a subtle, sophisticated cookie!
Finally, these cookies are versatile. You can dress them up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or dip the tips in melted chocolate for an extra-special touch.
Whether it’s for a casual tea time or a fancy holiday platter, these pecan finger cookies will always be a hit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) pecans, toasted and finely chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Chocolate chips or melting chocolate for dipping (optional)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife or cookie scoop
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (if dipping in chocolate)
Instructions
- Toast the pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once fragrant and lightly browned, remove from oven and let cool. Chop finely once cool.
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix dry ingredients into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold the toasted and chopped pecans into the dough with a spatula.
- Shape the cookies: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Using your hands, form small portions of dough into finger shapes, roughly 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies feel firm to the touch.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional finishing touches: Once cool, dust the cookies with powdered sugar or dip the ends in melted chocolate and let them set on parchment paper.
Tips & Variations
Toasting the pecans is essential for unlocking their full flavor — don’t skip this step!
If you want a softer cookie, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes, but be careful not to underbake.
For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
If you want to make the cookies gluten-free, try swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend — just ensure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Chocolate lovers can dip one or both ends of the cookies in semi-sweet or white chocolate. Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans on the chocolate before it sets for added texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Pecan finger cookies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They pair beautifully with a wide range of beverages, such as hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of cold milk.
Their nutty flavor and buttery texture make them a perfect companion to warm drinks during chilly afternoons.
For a special occasion, arrange these cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread men or cranberry thumbprint cookies. You can also serve them with a side of whipped cream or fruit preserves to add a touch of sweetness.
Gift-giving? Wrap a batch in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
These cookies make thoughtful homemade gifts that showcase your baking skills without requiring too much time in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Making pecan finger cookies at home is a rewarding experience that yields delicious, elegant treats perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the rich flavor of toasted pecans with a tender, buttery dough that melts in your mouth.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a tea party, or just a cozy night in, pecan finger cookies never fail to impress and satisfy.
Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon discover why these delicate cookies have remained a beloved classic through generations.
For more delightful cookie ideas, be sure to check out Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lemon Sugar Cookies, and Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for inspiration and variety in your baking adventures!
📖 Recipe Card: Pecan Finger Cookie Recipe
Description: Delicate and buttery pecan finger cookies with a crisp texture and nutty flavor. Perfect for holiday treats or afternoon tea.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Shape dough into 2-inch finger-shaped logs and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool cookies on wire rack.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 1.5 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 12 g
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