Pecan Praline Cookies With Variations

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 01/26/22
Pecan Praline Cookies

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Servings: 48 servings

These buttery brown sugar cookies are shortbread-like cookies made with only five ingredients. These are excellent cookies to bake for a special occasion or everyday treat, and they are egg free.

They're delicious with only the chopped pecans for flavor and crunch, but there are many other variations you might want to try. See the tips and variations for many possible add-ins, decorating ideas, and some tips for chopping pecans. 

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces (1 cup) salted butter, softened

  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, finely chopped

  • Granulated sugar, or raw sugar, for topping, optional

Steps to Make It

  1. Heat the oven to 325 F. Lightly grease baking sheets or line with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

  2. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Add the brown sugar and beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. 

  3. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour. 

  4. Fold in the chopped pecans.

  5. Scoop portions of cookie dough with a tablespoon or small cookie scoop and shape each into a ball. Arrange the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 1/2 inches apart. 

  6. Lightly grease the bottom of a glass or other small container with a flat bottom and dip it in granulated sugar, pourable brown sugar, or raw sugar. Press the bottom of the glass lightly on a cookie ball to flatten slightly. Redip the glass in sugar and repeat with the remaining balls of cookie dough.

  7. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly browned on the bottoms.

Tips

  • If using unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon of table salt or fine sea salt.
  • If pecans are rancid, they will ruin your cookies. Always sniff or taste pecans before you use them. If you don't bake often, store any remaining pecans in an airtight container or zip-close plastic bag and refrigerate them for up to four months (depending on their freshness). Or freeze pecans (or any nuts) for up to eight months.
  • For best results, chop the pecans by hand with a sharp knife. If using a food processor, use quick pulses and don't overprocess or you'll end up with ground nuts or nut butter. 
  • Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to one month or freeze (undecorated) for up to two to three months.

Recipe Variations

  • Add 1/2 cup of Bits O' Brickle Bits or Heath Toffee Bits to the cookie dough with the pecans.
  • Add 1/2 cup of regular or mini semisweet chocolate chips to the cookie dough with the pecans.
  • Replace the chopped pecans with chopped walnuts.
  • Put 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the chocolate for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until the chocolate has melted. Stir until smooth and blended. Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate to partially cover, or drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies. 
  • Sift confectioners' sugar over the cooled cookies.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter with the flour for spiced pecan cookies.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
120 Calories
10g Fat
7g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 48
Amount per serving
Calories 120
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 13%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 62mg 3%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 25mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)