Description

A nostalgic heritage recipe for slice-and-bake cookies featuring the rich flavor of toasted pecans and real creamery butter. These classic treats offer a perfect balance of a crisp edge and a tender center, making them a reliable staple for any well-stocked cookie jar.

Ingredients

1 cup real butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg yolk, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons hot water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter for about two minutes until creamy, then add the brown sugar and beat for another minute until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Incorporate the egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and salt, beating the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
Dissolve the baking soda in two tablespoons of hot water in a small cup, then pour this into the butter mixture and stir well.
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and chopped pecans, mixing just until the flour streaks disappear to keep the dough tender.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour to make the dough easier to handle.
Turn the dough onto wax paper and shape it into a log approximately 1.5 inches wide, then wrap tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours or up to three days.
Preheat your oven to 400F (200C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper; use a sharp knife to slice the log into one-quarter-inch rounds.
Place slices an inch apart on the sheets and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until edges are light brown, then let rest for five minutes before moving to a wire rack.

Notes

To maintain a perfectly round shape for your cookies, try resting the wrapped dough log inside an empty cardboard paper towel tube while it chills in the refrigerator. If you prefer to bake in smaller batches, this dough log can be frozen for up to two months; simply thaw it slightly in the refrigerator before slicing as usual.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American