Georgia O’Keeffe’s Copycat Pecan Butterballs

Introduction

Celebrate the art of baking with Georgia O’Keeffe’s Copycat Pecan Butterballs, inspired by the legendary artist’s simple yet elegant cookie recipe. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rich, buttery, and studded with toasted pecans. Perfect for holidays or a cozy afternoon treat, these timeless cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Butterballs:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Coating:

• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

Step 1: Toast the Pecans (Optional but Recommended)

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toast the Pecans:
   • Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant. Let cool, then finely chop.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add Vanilla and Salt:
   • Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until combined.
3. Incorporate Flour and Pecans:
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
4. Chill the Dough:
   • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if not already done. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Shape the Cookies:
   • Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
3. Bake:
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
4. Cool:
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Coat in Powdered Sugar

1. First Coating:
   • While the cookies are still slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar.
2. Second Coating:
   • Once the cookies are fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a beautiful snowy finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Serve these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze the cookies (without the powdered sugar coating) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then coat in powdered sugar before serving.

Variations

1. Walnut Butterballs:
   • Replace pecans with finely chopped walnuts for a slightly different nutty flavor.
2. Spiced Butterballs:
   • Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced version.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Butterballs:
   • Dip the bottoms of the cookies in melted chocolate and let them set for an elegant touch.
4. Citrus Twist:
   • Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.
5. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-friendly.

Conclusion

Georgia O’Keeffe’s Copycat Pecan Butterballs are a tribute to timeless simplicity and rich flavor. With their buttery texture, nutty crunch, and delicate powdered sugar coating, these cookies are a delightful addition to any occasion. Easy to make and utterly satisfying, they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw slightly before shaping.

2. Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.

3. What if my dough is too crumbly?
Add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or water to help bring the dough together.

4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

5. Why roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coating adheres better while the cookies are warm, and the second coating adds a finished look and extra sweetness.

Enjoy crafting and savoring these delightful cookies—they’re a true taste of timeless elegance! 🥰🍪✨