Sugar-free Butter Pecan Cookies

Sugar-free Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe with Dates and Vanilla

| Servings: 12

Introduction

These Sugar-free Butter Pecan Cookies are a delicious and guilt-free treat for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without all the added sugar. Made with wholesome ingredients like pecans, dates, and biscuit mix, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of the Butter Pecan Cookie recipe are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been created as a healthier alternative to traditional sugar-laden cookies. By using natural sweeteners like dates and omitting the sugar, these cookies provide a tasty option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.

Ingredients

3 cups of sugar-free biscuit mix
0.33 cup of pecan pieces
1 cup of pitted dates
2 egg whites
0.33 cup of warm water
2 tsp of vanilla
0.5 cup of butter
fruit-sweetened jam
pecan halves (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Using a blender or food processor, finely grind the pecan pieces.
Sift the biscuit mix and stir in the ground pecans. Set aside.
In the blender or food processor, purée the dates while gradually adding the egg whites and warm water.
Beat the mixture for several minutes until it becomes creamy.
Melt the butter and then stir in the date cream and vanilla.
Fold the liquid ingredients into the biscuit mix, stirring only until blended.
On an ungreased cookie sheet, form the dough into cookies that are 0.25" thick and 2" in diameter.
Press a thumbprint into the middle of each cookie.
Decorate each cookie with 0.25 tsp of jam and/or a pecan half.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 7 – 10 minutes, or until the edges turn light brown.

Variations

For a sweeter version, you can add a bit of honey or maple syrup to the dough.
You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely grind the pecan pieces to ensure a smooth texture in the cookies.

- When forming the cookies, make sure they are all the same size to ensure even baking.

- Pressing a thumbprint into the middle of each cookie allows for the addition of jam or a pecan half for added flavor and decoration.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee as a midday snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making these cookies is to not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Be sure to fold the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have biscuit mix on hand, you can use a combination of flour, baking powder, and salt as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

These cookies can be presented on a decorative platter or cookie tin for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

These cookies pair well with a glass of milk or a hot cup of tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, simply place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these Sugar-free Butter Pecan Cookies contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of these cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

These cookies are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and copper.

Alergens

These cookies contain nuts (pecans) and eggs.

Summary

Overall, these Sugar-free Butter Pecan Cookies are a nutritious and delicious treat that can be enjoyed by those looking to reduce their sugar intake.

Summary

These Sugar-free Butter Pecan Cookies are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional cookies. Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a hot summer day, and I had just finished baking a batch of my famous sugar cookies when my dear friend Martha stopped by for a visit. As we sat in the kitchen sipping on lemonade, she pulled out a handwritten recipe card from her purse and handed it to me with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Try these sugar-free butter pecan cookies, dear," she said. "I promise you won't be disappointed."

I looked down at the card and read through the list of ingredients: butter, pecans, flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and a secret ingredient that Martha refused to reveal. Intrigued by the idea of a sugar-free cookie that still promised to satisfy my sweet tooth, I decided to give it a try.

As I mixed the ingredients together and formed the dough into small balls, the kitchen filled with the warm, nutty aroma of toasted pecans. Martha stood by my side, offering words of encouragement and sharing stories of how she had come across the recipe many years ago.

"It was during my trip to the countryside," she explained. "I stayed at a charming bed and breakfast run by an elderly couple who had been baking these cookies for years. They were known for their delicious treats, and when I tried these butter pecan cookies, I knew I had to get the recipe."

I listened intently as Martha recounted her adventures in search of the perfect cookie recipe, and by the time the timer went off, signaling that the cookies were ready, I felt like I had been transported back in time to that quaint little farmhouse in the countryside.

As I took the first bite of the warm, gooey cookie, I was amazed by the rich buttery flavor and the crunch of the toasted pecans. The absence of sugar was hardly noticeable, thanks to the natural sweetness of the nuts and the hint of vanilla. Martha watched me with a knowing smile, pleased to see that I had fallen in love with the recipe just as she had all those years ago.

From that day on, sugar-free butter pecan cookies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each batch would turn out slightly different, as I experimented with different types of nuts, flours, and extracts, but the basic recipe remained the same.

Over the years, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of baking these delicious cookies to the next generation. My grandchildren would often come over to help me in the kitchen, eager to learn the secrets of my famous butter pecan cookies.

As I grew older, my hands became less steady, and my memory began to fade. But the recipe for sugar-free butter pecan cookies remained etched in my mind, a cherished memory of all the wonderful moments I had spent baking in the kitchen with loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my rocking chair, surrounded by family photos and the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, I am reminded of all the joy and happiness that cooking has brought into my life. And I am grateful for the simple pleasures of sharing a delicious treat with those I love.

So if you ever find yourself craving something sweet but want to avoid the guilt of indulging in sugary treats, I urge you to give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. After all, a good cookie is like a warm hug for the soul – comforting, familiar, and oh so delicious.