In the midst of the holiday season, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through the kitchen. One of the most beloved Mexican Christmas baking recipes is the delightful Galletas De Nuez, also known as Pecan Cookies. These cookies are a perfect balance of nutty flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them an ideal addition to your festive gatherings or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe for these scrumptious Pecan Cookies!
**Galletas De Nuez – Pecan Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– Additional powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well to incorporate the flavor.
4. Gradually add the flour to the mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in size.
7. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading.
8. Gently flatten each cookie ball with the back of a fork or your palm to create a crisscross pattern on top.
9. Bake the Pecan Cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
11. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Dust the cooled Pecan Cookies with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before serving or gifting.
These Galletas De Nuez – Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of Mexican Christmas traditions. The combination of buttery dough and crunchy pecans creates a festive flavor profile that is sure to impress your loved ones. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire or package them up as a heartfelt holiday gift, these cookies are bound to spread joy and cheer. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Pecan Cookies for a truly magical Christmas celebration!