Pecan Sables Recipe πͺ
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful aroma and rich flavor of these Pecan Sables, a quintessential treat perfect for any occasion. Elevate your baking game with the decadent combination of toasted pecans, sea salt, and premium European-style butter. Originally featured in Gourmet magazine in November 2002, this recipe has stood the test of time, promising a melt-in-your-mouth experience with each bite.
- Recipe Category: Dessert
- Keywords: Cookie & Brownie, Fruit, Nuts, Potluck, Winter, Christmas, < 60 Mins, Oven
- Aggregated Rating: 5 β
- Calories per Serving: 84.8
- Total Fat: 5.9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Cholesterol: 14.2mg
- Sodium: 41.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 3.1g
- Protein: 1.1g
- Yield: 32 cookies
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3/4 | Pecans |
| 32 | Pecan halves |
| 2/3 | Confectioners’ sugar |
| 2 | Eggs (separated) |
| 1 1/4 | All-purpose flour |
| 1/2 | Sea salt |
| 1/4 | Baking powder |
| 1/2 | Unsalted butter |
| 1/2 | Vanilla extract |
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325Β°F (163Β°C) to ensure it’s perfectly warmed up for baking these delectable treats.
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Prepare pecans: Begin by pulsing the toasted pecans with 2 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar in a food processor until finely ground. This step will infuse your sables with a rich, nutty flavor.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasonings in your dough.
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Cream butter and sugar: Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat together the unsalted butter, remaining 2/3 cup of confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, typically around 3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect light and airy texture in your cookies.
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Incorporate egg yolk: Add the egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well incorporated. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture and ground-pecan mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. The dough should be crumbly but cohesive enough to hold together when squeezed.
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Roll out the dough: Divide the dough in half and roll out one half between two sheets of wax paper until it’s approximately 1/4 inch thick, forming a round about 9 inches in diameter. This ensures uniform thickness for your cookies.
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Cut out the cookies: Using a cookie cutter, cut out as many rounds as possible from the rolled-out dough and arrange them about 2 inches apart on buttered baking sheets, ensuring enough space for expansion during baking. Don’t discard the scraps; we’ll use them later!
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Repeat with remaining dough: Roll out the remaining dough in the same manner, cutting out additional rounds until all the dough is used. Gather any remaining scraps, reroll them, and cut out more rounds to minimize waste.
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Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg white until frothy. Lightly brush the tops of the cookie rounds with the egg white, using a pastry brush. This step adds a glossy finish to the cookies and helps the pecan halves adhere.
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Add pecan halves: Place a pecan half on top of each cookie round, gently pressing it into the dough. Brush the pecans lightly with the remaining egg white for a beautifully glazed appearance.
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Bake to perfection: Place the baking sheets in the middle of the preheated oven and bake the cookies until the tops are pale golden, typically for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
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Cool and enjoy: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step ensures that the cookies set properly and develop the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions:
These Pecan Sables are best enjoyed with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot cocoa, making them an ideal treat for cozy winter evenings or festive holiday gatherings. Package them in decorative tins or boxes to share with friends and family, spreading joy and sweetness with every bite.
Storage Tips:
To keep your Pecan Sables fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving or reheating in a low oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
Conclusion:
With their irresistible buttery flavor, crunchy pecans, and delicate crumb, these Pecan Sables are sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe delivers on both taste and texture, making every bite a moment of pure bliss. So don your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your senses with these heavenly cookies!
