Description

These elegant slice-and-bake cookies offer a rich, buttery crumb deeply flavored with dark brown sugar and toasted pecans. Perfectly crisp on the edges with a tender center, they are the ideal make-ahead treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons hot water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter for about two minutes until creamy, then add the dark brown sugar and beat for another minute until well combined.
Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture, beating thoroughly until the color lightens slightly.
Dissolve the baking soda into the hot water in a small cup, then pour the liquid into the batter and mix briefly.
Slowly add the all-purpose flour and chopped pecans, folding them in with a spatula or low mixer setting just until no white streaks remain.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour to make it easier to handle.
Turn the dough onto wax paper, roll into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, wrap tightly, and chill for at least four hours or up to three days.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds, and bake on parchment-lined sheets for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are golden.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, use a very sharp, thin-bladed knife and ensure the dough is cold; if the log starts to soften while cutting, return it to the freezer for 10 minutes. The dough logs can be prepared well in advance and kept in the freezer for up to three months, allowing you to bake fresh cookies on demand.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American