Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies Recipe – Sweet, Crunchy, and Perfectly Delicious

Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. The chewy cranberries, the toasted pecans, and the praline-inspired flavor make these cookies irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouth-watering recipe:

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

2. Mix the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Cream the butter and sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes.

4. Add the eggs and vanilla

Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine the dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t over-mix to keep the cookies soft.

6. Stir in the cranberries, pecans, and praline syrup

Fold in the dried cranberries, pecan halves, and praline syrup. This is where the magic happens, giving your cookies that sweet, crunchy texture.

7. Scoop the dough

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread.

8. Bake the cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want them soft in the middle.

9. Let the cookies cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they hold their shape.

Recipe Notes

• Butter tip: Ensure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the best texture in your cookies.
• Praline syrup: You can use store-bought praline syrup, but homemade works even better if you have the time.
• Cranberries: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can use unsweetened dried cranberries instead of the sweetened version.
• Pecans: Toast the pecans lightly in the oven to enhance their flavor before adding them to the dough.

Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 25-27 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies

Storage

Store your Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

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Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, so mix until just combined.
• Use parchment paper: It helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. It helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of tea or coffee. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Hand or stand mixer
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Health Benefits of Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies

While these cookies are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits:

• Cranberries: A great source of antioxidants, helping to fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Pecans: High in healthy fats and fiber, they support heart health and provide lasting energy.
• Eggs: Packed with protein and essential vitamins, eggs contribute to healthy skin and muscles.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe without pecans?
Yes! If you’re allergic to nuts or simply prefer a different texture, you can swap the pecans for another nut or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
It’s best to use dried cranberries for this recipe. Fresh cranberries contain more moisture and will affect the texture of the cookies. However, you can dry fresh cranberries in the oven if desired.

3. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1. Ensure that the flour is suitable for baking.

4. How do I know when my cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool.

5. Can I freeze the dough for later?
Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Roll it into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag for storage. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on the sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two.

Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are an irresistible treat, combining chewy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of praline sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to delight. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be indulging in these homemade delights in no time. Enjoy baking!