Description
Georgia O’Keeffe’s Pecan Butterballs are tender, buttery cookies packed with toasted pecans and rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat. These classic Southern-inspired cookies combine rich butter, vanilla, and finely chopped pecans for a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Ideal for holiday baking or anytime you crave a comforting, nutty dessert.
Ingredients
Butterball Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Coating
- 1/2 cup additional powdered sugar (optional, for rolling cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth texture for the cookies.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, finely chopped toasted pecans, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry blend into the butter mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bottoms of the butterballs turn a light golden brown, signaling they are done.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Optional Coating: Once the butterballs have fully cooled, roll them in additional powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch that enhances their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans before chopping greatly enhances their flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the cookies.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results.
- Rolling the cooled cookies in powdered sugar is optional but adds a classic, festive look and extra sweetness.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
