Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: A Rich and Nutty Delight

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty richness of brown butter with the crunchy texture of pecans. These cookies offer a sophisticated twist on traditional cookie recipes, making them perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat for any day of the week. The process of browning the butter adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the toasted pecans, resulting in a cookie that’s both flavorful and comforting.

The Unique Flavor of Brown Butter

Browning butter is a simple culinary technique that involves cooking butter until it takes on a golden brown color and a nutty aroma. This process transforms the butter, giving it a rich and complex flavor that enhances baked goods like cookies, making them extra special.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• Optional: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

1. Brown the Butter:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it.
   • Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, beat together the cooled brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
   • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Add Pecans (and Chocolate Chips):
   • Fold in the toasted pecans and, if using, the chocolate chips.
6. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. Form Cookies:
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake:
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

• Watch the Butter: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns; it can go from brown to burnt quickly.
• Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Cookie Size: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to portion out the dough.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. The rich flavor of brown butter combined with the crunch of toasted pecans creates a cookie that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are a perfect choice.