Butter Pecan Cookies

These are very similar to Pecan Sandies.

Yield: 1 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar*
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans**

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. With an electric mixer, beat the butter for about a minute.
3. Add sugar and beat until light, about 1 minute more.
4. Beat in vanilla extract, salt and flour, scraping down sides of bowl, just until dough comes together.
5. Fold in pecans.
6. Separate dough into 12 pieces; shape dough into walnut size balls. Place 3 inches apart on a cookie sheet.
7. Using the bottom of a glass, gently flatten each cookie, reshaping sides if necessary.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through for even cooking.
9. Remove from oven and cool cookies on a wire rack.

Notes

* Light brown sugar may be substituted for the granulated sugar.

** If a nuttier flavor is desired, toast the nuts lightly before adding to the batter. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the pecans in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Toast for 5 to 10 minutes, tossing occasionally for even cooking. Remove from pan mmediately.

Attribution

Photo credit: (c) Can Stock Photo / StephanieFrey