Orange-Spiced Pecan Cookies: A Delightful Holiday Tradition

Growing up in the American South, pecans were always a cherished ingredient in our family’s baking traditions. These Orange-Spiced Pecan Cookies combine the rich, buttery essence of pecans with bright citrus notes and warm winter spices. This recipe has been perfected through countless holiday seasons, creating cookies that are both delicate and deeply flavorful.

History Behind These Cookies

Pecan cookies have deep roots in Southern baking, where the native pecan trees have provided bakers with their precious nuts for generations. This particular variation adds orange zest and warming spices, a combination that gained popularity in European cookie-making traditions during the 18th century. The result is a perfect marriage of Old World flavors and New World ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 2½ cups (250g) ground pecans
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (from approximately 1 large orange)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pecan halves for decoration (approximately 24-30 pieces)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pecans, powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices.
2. In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy but not stiff. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add the vanilla extract and orange zest to the egg whites, stirring gently to combine.
4. Gradually fold the egg white mixture into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula. Work carefully to maintain the lightness of the batter while ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Chilling and Forming

1. Cover the dough with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s pressed directly against the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Refrigerate for 1 hour. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and making the dough easier to handle.
3. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
4. Place additional powdered sugar in a shallow bowl for coating.
5. Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, form the chilled dough into 1-inch balls (approximately 2-3 teaspoons each).
6. Roll each ball in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated.
7. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
8. Gently press a pecan half into the center of each cookie.

Baking and Finishing

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set but still slightly soft in the center.
2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.

Expert Tips

• Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume
• Use freshly ground pecans for the best flavor
• Zest your orange directly into the mixture to capture the essential oils
• Don’t overbake – these cookies should remain tender in the center

Storage Instructions

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Per cookie (based on 24 servings):

• Calories: 98
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 2g

This recipe yields 24-30 cookies, depending on size.

Recipe Success Tips

For perfect Orange-Spiced Pecan Cookies every time, remember that room temperature ingredients are crucial. The egg whites will whip up better, and the ingredients will combine more smoothly. The dough might seem slightly sticky when first mixed – this is normal and why the chilling step is so important. Don’t skip it! The final texture should be light and delicate, with a perfect balance of nutty, sweet, and citrus flavors.