Get ready to transform your baking game with the most irresistible treat that'll make your taste buds dance! These Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun Cookies are the ultimate fusion of classic cookie comfort and gooey caramel decadence. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden cookie that combines the rich, buttery flavor of a traditional cookie with the sticky, nutty goodness of a sticky bun - all in one heavenly bite. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are about to become your new obsession that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in half of the chopped pecans into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Gently press down on each cookie ball to slightly flatten, creating a slight indentation in the center.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top of each cookie, pressing them lightly into the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, drizzle caramel sauce over each cookie, allowing it to pool slightly and create a sticky, decadent topping.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the caramel to set.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the flour just until it's incorporated to keep the cookies tender and light.
- Pecan Placement: Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Caramel Drizzling Technique: Let the cookies cool slightly before adding caramel to prevent complete absorption.
- Storage Hack: Use parchment paper between layers to prevent the sticky caramel from causing cookies to stick together.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Take butter and other ingredients out 30 minutes before baking for better mixing.
- Consistent Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform baking and appearance.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cookies to cool completely to let the caramel set and flavors develop fully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
