Are you dreaming of a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! These Pecan Dreams are the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a special occasion. Get ready to indulge in these homemade cooking masterpieces!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for achieving a tender crumb, so take your time!
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Incorporate Pecans
Gently fold in the pecan halves.
Step 5: Bake the Pecan Dreams
Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious Pecan Dreams with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Tips for Pecan Perfection:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened; this ensures a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning. Ovens vary, so adjust baking time as needed.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Dreams: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Pecan Dreams: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Nut Variations: Substitute walnuts or macadamia nuts for the pecans.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 Fat: 8-10g Saturated Fat: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 20-25g Sugar: 10-12g Protein: 2-3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These Pecan Dreams are a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. They're perfect for satisfying a sweet craving without sacrificing delicious homemade goodness. Enjoy!