Orange Pecan Gem Cookies
Infused with the vibrant flavor of fresh oranges and the rich crunch of pecans, Orange Pecan Gem Cookies are a deliciously unique treat that bring warmth and brightness to any occasion. These golden cookies are elevated by the addition of freshly grated orange zest and a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice, lending a zesty, citrusy aroma that pairs beautifully with the buttery, nutty pecan pieces. With a soft, tender interior and lightly golden edges, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfectly portioned for snacking, they’re quick to prepare in just 15 minutes and bake in under 12, making them a must-have recipe for both casual afternoons and festive gatherings. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven or store them for later—they’re bound to be a hit whenever you serve them!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.75 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.25 cups packed light brown sugar
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Gently fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 238.3 g | 306% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.7 g | 508% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 760 mg | 253% | |
| Sodium | 1221 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 409.2 g | 149% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.9 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 208.6 g | ||
| Protein | 49.1 g | 98% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 251 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 16.5 mg | 92% | |
| Potassium | 1060 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
