Nuez Caramelita Holiday Cookies (Mexican Pecan Bliss)
These buttery Mexican-inspired pecan cookies are rich with caramel flavor, toasted nuts, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—perfect for holiday trays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
- Yield: 24–30 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Cream the Butter and Sugars
Beat softened butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add Vanilla and Salt
Mix in vanilla extract and salt until just combined.
Mix in Flour
Gradually add flour, mixing until dough forms. It may look crumbly at first but will come together.
Fold in Pecans
Stir in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Chill the Dough
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat and Shape
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment. Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and space them 2 inches apart.
Bake
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden. Tops will remain pale.
Cool and Dust (Optional)
Let cookies cool on a rack. Dust with powdered sugar while warm, if desired.
Notes
Toast pecans in a dry skillet or oven for deeper flavor.
Use spoon-and-level method to avoid over-measuring flour.
Cookies freeze well after baking or as raw dough balls.
Great for cookie trays or gifting during the holidays.
For extra flair, add a drizzle of dark chocolate or press soft caramel into the center before baking.
