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Southern Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 86 reviews

These Southern Pecan Praline Cookies combine the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with the sweet, caramel-like praline icing. Soft and chewy cookies baked to perfection and topped with creamy praline icing make this a delightful Southern treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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Cookie Dough

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (250 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup (110 g) pecans, roughly chopped

Praline Icing

  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 mL) heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps to aerate the dough and create a tender cookie texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and gently fold them in using a spatula just until the dough starts to come together. Then fold in the chopped pecans evenly through the dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to firm it up and enhance flavor.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
  4. Form and Bake Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them approximately 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
  5. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and finishes the crisping process.
  6. Prepare Praline Icing: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the brown sugar and heavy whipping cream. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil.
  7. Finish Icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar thoroughly until the icing is smooth and creamy. Spread or drizzle the praline icing onto the cooled cookies to finish.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is essential for preventing cookie spreading and helps develop flavor.
  • Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable even baking.
  • The praline icing should be spread once the cookies have completely cooled to avoid melting.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • For a crunchier texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the dough.

Keywords: Southern pecan praline cookies, pecan cookies, praline icing, Southern dessert, nutty cookies, buttery pecan cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/southern-pecan-praline-cookies-recipe/