I love how these cookies are both elegant and comforting. They’re not overly sweet, but each bite has that soft, nutty warmth that comes from toasted pecans and brown sugar. The dough is simple to work with, and the cookies hold their shape beautifully while staying tender inside. These are the kind of cookies that disappear quickly wherever I take them—and they smell absolutely amazing while baking.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened ½ cup powdered sugar ¼ cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon salt 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor) Optional: extra powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
Cream the Butter and Sugars I start by beating the softened butter with the powdered sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add Vanilla and Salt I mix in the vanilla extract and salt, blending just until combined.
Mix in Flour I gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough comes together. It may look crumbly at first, but it will smooth out as I continue.
Stir in Pecans I gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed through the dough.
Chill the Dough I wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor.
Preheat and Shape I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then I roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake I bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. The tops will remain pale.
Cool and Dust (Optional) Once the cookies cool for a few minutes, I transfer them to a wire rack. I sometimes dust them with powdered sugar while still warm for that classic holiday look.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies, depending on size. Total time is around 55 minutes, including chilling:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 12–14 minutes
Variations
Caramel Center: I sometimes press a small piece of soft caramel into the center of each dough ball before baking for extra gooeyness.
Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of dark chocolate on top adds a rich contrast to the buttery pecans.
Spiced Version: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg brings out more of the holiday flavor.
Gluten-Free: I’ve used a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with good results.
Storage and Reheating
Storage I keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully—just layer them between sheets of parchment.
Reheating If I want to warm them up, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. It brings back that just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the dough a day or two in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge until ready to bake.
Do I have to toast the pecans?
No, but I like to toast them in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes—it adds a deeper, nuttier flavor that really enhances the cookies.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Definitely. I freeze the baked cookies or the raw dough balls and bake them straight from frozen (adding a minute or two to the bake time).
Why are my cookies too crumbly?
If they’re too crumbly, it could be from over-measuring the flour. I recommend spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. I usually do during the holidays because they disappear fast, especially when I’m making cookie boxes or trays.
Conclusion
Nuez Caramelita Holiday Cookies are a celebration of everything I love about holiday baking—simple ingredients, rich flavor, and a nostalgic, homemade feel. With their buttery texture, pecan crunch, and soft caramel notes, they’re perfect for sharing or savoring with a warm drink on a cold day. Whether I’m baking for a crowd or just want something sweet and festive at home, these cookies always make the season feel a little more magical.
