Discover the blissful delight of Pecan Dreams, a classic cookie that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. These delicate, buttery treats are studded with crunchy, toasted pecans and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert platter or an everyday sweet indulgence.
Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, Pecan Dreams have that nostalgic charm that brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll love how the simple ingredients come together to create such an elegant and flavorful cookie.
From the first crack of the whisk to the final sprinkle of sugar, baking these Pecan Dreams is a joy that fills your kitchen with warmth and sweet aromas. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this timeless classic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pecan Dreams are a wonderful blend of texture and taste. The rich buttery dough complements the nutty crunch of pecans, creating a cookie that’s both satisfying and delicate.
These cookies are naturally gluten-free if you use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, making them accessible to many dietary needs.
This recipe is versatile, easy to make, and uses pantry staples. Plus, Pecan Dreams freeze beautifully, so you can prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy them whenever a sweet craving strikes.
If you enjoy other nutty, buttery cookies, you might also love recipes like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Vegan Ice Cream Recipes To Try or Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes for Decadent Desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Food processor or chopping knife for pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Toast the pecans. Spread the pecans on a separate baking sheet and toast in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Let them cool, then chop finely if not already chopped.
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in the toasted pecans. Gently incorporate the chopped pecans into the dough.
- Shape the cookies. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.
- Bake. Bake the cookies for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
- Cool and dust. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar.
Tips & Variations
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the dough.
To keep cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
If you prefer a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg for binding.
You can also swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile. If you love a bit of chocolate, try dipping half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate after they cool for a decadent twist.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Pecan Dreams are perfect for serving alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them an ideal afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert.
For festive occasions, arrange them on a platter with other holiday cookies like gingerbread or peppermint bark for a colorful and inviting dessert table.
Looking for more delicious cookie recipes? Check out our Coffee Cookies Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy or the Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy for more baking inspiration.
Conclusion
Pecan Dreams are a timeless cookie recipe that brings simple ingredients together for a truly delightful result. Their buttery texture and nutty crunch make them a favorite for any occasion, from casual afternoon snacking to holiday celebrations.
The ease of preparation and minimal ingredients make them an accessible recipe for bakers of all levels.
By mastering this recipe, you’ll add a classic to your baking repertoire that’s sure to impress family and friends. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and share your tasty creations.
For more inspiring recipes, explore options like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide or the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.
Happy baking and enjoy every dreamy bite of your homemade Pecan Dreams!
📖 Recipe Card: Pecan Dreams
Description: A rich and buttery pecan cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfectly sweet and nutty, ideal for holiday treats or anytime snacking.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and almond extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.
- Place on baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 10 g
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