Perfectly Almond-Pecan Crunchy Butter Cookies

Almond-pecan crunchy butter cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. These cookies have a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and crispiness. Perfect for a snack, tea time, or as an after-dinner dessert, they are also great to pack into lunch boxes.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, and it serves about 16 people.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons almond extract
1 egg white (optional)
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup slivered almonds or sliced almonds for the top

Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir these ingredients together until evenly mixed.

Add the softened butter into the mixture and mix well using your hands or an electric mixer on low speed for about two minutes. The butter should be fully incorporated into the dry ingredients to form crumbly dough.

Once the butter is well combined, stir in almond extract and egg white (if using). Gently fold in pecan pieces and sliced almonds until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

Roll the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie as they do spread out while baking. You may need to use two sheets for all cookies depending on your pan size.

Bake these crunchy butter cookies in the preheated oven for around 15 minutes or until golden brown at the edges but still soft inside when you press gently with a finger. Let them cool completely before storing them in an air-tight container to preserve their freshness and crispiness.

Storage Tips

The best way to store these cookies is by placing them into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, ideally kept at room temperature away from direct sunlight. They will stay fresh for up to one week this way. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

These almond-pecan crunchy butter cookies are not only delicious but also easy enough even for novice bakers. They make wonderful gifts, especially during holidays like Christmas or birthdays when you're looking to bring joy and warmth with homemade treats.

Tips & Variations

If you want a richer flavor, you can add more nuts by including some ground almonds along with the whole ones. For those who prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the sugar amount accordingly without compromising on its crunchiness.

For added texture, consider pressing extra pecan pieces onto each cookie just after forming them but before baking as they provide extra bite and flavor.
If you have some leftover almond extract from previous recipes, now is the perfect time to use it up; it adds depth of flavor without adding excess sweetness.

With these simple steps, you can create a batch of tasty cookies that will become your go-to recipe. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or presented at gatherings, these crunchy butter cookies are sure to satisfy every taste bud and bring smiles around the table!

Conclusion

Incorporating almond-pecan crunchy butter cookies into your regular baking routine is a fantastic idea. Their simplicity in preparation combined with their appealing appearance make them perfect for sharing with friends or family members. Enjoy creating this delightful treat and experience the joy it brings to everyone who tastes it.