“Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies”

Couldn’t believe I woke up this morning and it felt like fall. The sun is shining but that fall chill was in the air. So when I think of fall I think of baking. Most of you who know me know I bake whenever the mood strikes and never need a reason. As always I was baking for coworkers and I came up with my Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies. The base of this recipe is a cookie batter that can be used to incorporate whatever ingredients you have in your pantry. That’s how this recipe can about and these cookies are delicious. Just grab a cup of coffee or glass of milk and get ready to munch. There is nothing like a good cookie especially warm from the oven. Can I get an Amen?

Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies contain a favorite ingredient browned butter. Love that nutty flavor it gives your baked goods. If you have never tried it, do so with this recipe and I guarantee you’ll be glad you did. Checkout how to brown butter in my monthly featured ingredient section from June.

Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies

Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies

So I mentioned I was cleaning out my pantry full of ingredients and came across dried cherries I needed to use and I always have pecans. Pecans are so versatile hence I’m never without a couple of cups. Dried cherries can be used as you would dried cranberries and they do taste similar but a little more tart in flavor. In my Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies, the cherries give each bite a pop of sweet tart along with crunch of toasted pecans. Toasting your nuts for any recipe brings out the nuts flavor. Yum…!

Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies are mixed and chilled for a short period of time. As a result this keeps the cookies from spreading and becoming flat when baked. Take this time to clean up the kitchen and prepare your cookie sheets. Then you can concentrate on baking up a cookie that will leave you drooling. Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies are the perfect night-time, after school time, lunch time, anytime treat for the whole family. Kids love cookies so let them help bake a batch one weekend soon. Baking fun for all and a recipe you’ll go back to again and again.

Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies

Browned Butter Cherry Pecan Cookies

2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces

4 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 ½ t. baking soda

1 t. kosher salt

2 cups packed light brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 large egg yolks

2 T. vanilla extract

2 T. non-fat plain Greek yogurt

3 cups dried cherries, chopped

3 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in saucepan over medium heat. Once butter begins to melt, whisk frequently, allowing butter to brown. This will take about 20 – 25 minutes. Butter will foam before it begins to brown. You will start to see brown flecks as butter browns. It is ready when the color is brown but not burned. Cool butter to room temperature, about 1 hour.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In a stand mixer bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar and butter. Blend until smooth, 3 to 5 minutes. Sugar mixture will be somewhat creamy but not fluffy. Add the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla, and yogurt and mix until just combined.

Mix in flour mixture until just combined. Fold in cherries and pecans until thoroughly mixed. Cover and chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Cover cookie sheets with parchment paper and scoop dough by tablespoons, placing about 2-inches apart. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Makes 6 to 7 dozen cookies depending on size made.