Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies: A Sweet and Nutty Delight

Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies: A Sweet and Nutty Delight

If you’re a fan of chewy, nutty, and slightly tart cookies, these Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a must-try! Combining the rich, buttery flavor of pralines with the crunch of pecans and the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries,

these Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They’re ideal for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect flavor combination: Sweet, nutty, and tart all in one bite.
• Chewy and crunchy texture: The pecans add a delightful crunch, while the praline glaze keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Holiday favorite: These cookies are festive and perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
• Easy to make: No fancy equipment or complicated steps required.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Praline Glaze:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.
3. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Praline Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Let the glaze cool slightly (it will thicken as it cools).

Step 5: Glaze the Cookies

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the praline glaze over the top using a spoon or a piping bag.
2. If desired, sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top of the glaze for added crunch and decoration.
3. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Tips for Success

• Toast the pecans: For extra flavor, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the dough.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the dough: If the dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of glaze or skip it altogether.

Variations to Try

1. White Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top of the praline glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
2. Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
3. Oatmeal Version: Replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries are too tart and moist for this recipe. Stick with dried cranberries for the best results.

Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
A: Absolutely! Walnuts are a great substitute for pecans if you prefer their flavor.

Conclusion

These Cranberry Pecan Praline Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the best of sweet, nutty, and tart flavors. With their chewy texture, crunchy pecans, and rich praline glaze, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist. Give them a try and enjoy the delicious results! 🍪✨