Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further! These pecan thumbprint cookies are a delightful combination of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness and the irresistible crunch of pecans. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike, offering a simple yet elegant treat that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that’s as satisfying as the cookies themselves!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- ½ cup apricot preserves or your favorite jam
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works perfectly for this step.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
Step 2: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. This creates the signature thumbprint.
- Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of apricot preserves or your favorite jam.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 3: Cooling and Serving
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, these delightful pecan thumbprint cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Tips for Perfect Pecan Thumbprint Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. This ensures a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For easier handling, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
Variations:
- Nut Variations: Substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
- Jam Alternatives: Experiment with different jams or fruit preserves like raspberry, blackberry, or strawberry.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of melted chocolate to the indentation before baking for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These delicious pecan thumbprint cookies are a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. They are easy to make, incredibly tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dessert or a special treat for a gathering, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!