Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans
24 pecan halves
For the praline glaze
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
Instruction
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
Fold in chopped pecans.
Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly. Top each cookie with pecan halves.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
For the glaze, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over warm cookies and allow to set before serving.
Method
Mix the cookie dough by combining wet and dry ingredients separately before blending together. Bake until lightly crisp on the edges and soft in the center. Finish with a rich praline glaze for a sweet buttery coating.
Preparation
Preparation time is about 20 minutes. Baking time is around 12 minutes per batch. Total time is approximately 35 minutes.
History
Praline desserts originated in France before becoming popular in the southern United States, especially in Louisiana. Pecans and caramelized sugar became a traditional combination in Southern baking, inspiring treats like praline cookies and candies.
Tips
Use toasted pecans for deeper flavor.
Do not overbake the cookies to keep them soft and chewy.
Allow the glaze to cool slightly before drizzling for the perfect consistency.
Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
Benifits
Pecans contain healthy fats and antioxidants.
These cookies provide quick energy from natural sugars and nuts.
Homemade cookies avoid unnecessary preservatives found in packaged snacks.
Nutrition
Calories: about 220 per cookie
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Conclusion
Pecan Praline Cookies are a rich and buttery dessert with crunchy pecans and sweet caramel glaze. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or an everyday sweet treat, these cookies deliver classic Southern flavor in every bite.