Golden Pecan Treats: A Buttery Cheesy Pecan Delights Recipe

Sweet, buttery, and utterly irresistible, these cheesy pecan delights will make your taste buds dance with joy.

The unexpected combination of sharp cheese and crunchy pecan delights recipe creates a mouthwatering snack that defies ordinary expectations.

Layers of rich, complex flavors meld together in each delectable bite.

Salty and nutty notes intertwine, promising a truly memorable culinary experience.

Perfect for casual gatherings or quiet moments of indulgence, these delights offer a sophisticated twist on traditional snacks.

The recipe comes together quickly, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress with these delightful morsels that are sure to become an instant crowd-pleaser.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 144 kcal

Servings: 22

Cheesy Pecan Treat Ingredient

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy foundation that creates smooth texture and deep flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps achieve delicate, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances the cheese's creaminess.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and exciting flavor complexity.
• Black Pepper: Offers warm, earthy undertone with gentle spiciness.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers robust, aromatic depth to the savory profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structural integrity, helps dough hold shape, and ensures crisp, delicate texture.
• Pecans: Contributes delightful crunch, nutty undertones, and sophisticated textural contrast.

Kitchen Tool for Cheesy Pecan Treats

• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating cheese and butter to a fluffy consistency quickly and evenly.
• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine cheese, butter, seasonings, and flour comfortably.
• Measuring Cups: Precise for adding flour and other ingredients accurately.
• Parchment Paper: Crucial for wrapping dough logs and lining baking sheets to prevent sticking.
• Baking Sheets: Needed to bake the cheese crackers evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Helps crackers cool and crisp up after baking.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing chilled dough logs into thin, uniform pieces.

How to Bake Cheesy Pecan Treats Easily

• Cheese and Butter Fusion

Blend sharp cheddar with creamy butter using an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, fluffy texture that promises deliciousness.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in a symphony of spices – zesty salt, fiery cayenne, bold black pepper, and aromatic garlic powder – creating a tantalizing base for your savory treats.

• Dough Magic

Softly fold all-purpose flour into the spiced mixture, gently coaxing the ingredients into a harmonious dough that whispers of culinary adventure.

• Log Creation

Craft two elegant logs, each about an inch thick, lovingly wrapped in parchment paper and tucked into the refrigerator to chill and develop depth of flavor.

• Oven Transformation

Heat the oven to a perfect 375 degrees, preparing a welcoming stage for these soon-to-be crispy delights on parchment-lined baking sheets.

• Slice and Bake Ritual

Unveil the chilled logs, slice into delicate wafers, and arrange them with precision on the baking sheets. Watch as they turn golden and crisp, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Cooling Finale

Let the Cheesy Pecan Delights rest on a cooling rack, allowing their crisp edges and rich flavors to settle into a perfect, munchable treat.

Tweak Your Cheesy Pecan Treats with These Tips

• Swap pecans with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a delightful twist that adds extra crunch and nutty depth to the crackers.
• Adjust the cayenne and black pepper levels to control the heat, or introduce dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for complex, aromatic undertones.
• Prepare the dough logs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for 1 month, allowing for quick and convenient entertaining or snacking.
• Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the rich, cheesy flavor of these delectable crackers.

How to Serve Cheesy Pecan Treats

• Pair with Appetizer Spread: Arrange these crispy wafers on a charcuterie board alongside soft brie, tangy goat cheese, and a selection of cured meats for an elegant appetizer experience.
• Serve as Wine Night Companion: Match these cheesy delights with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to enhance their rich, peppery flavor profile.
• Create Gourmet Salad Topper: Crumble these crackers over mixed green salads or Caesar salads to add a delightful crunch and boost of savory cheese flavor.
• Enjoy as Standalone Snack: Munch on these crisp, cheesy pecan wafers during afternoon tea, movie nights, or as a quick mid-day snack that satisfies both salty and nutty cravings.

Storage Tips for Keeping Pecan Treats Fresh

• Refrigerate with Care: Store the Cheesy Pecan Delights in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness. Properly sealed, these delicate crackers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for Future Snacking: Wrap the unbaked dough logs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen logs can last up to 3 months, allowing you to slice and bake fresh crackers whenever cravings strike.
• Room Temperature Serving: Let refrigerated crackers sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore their delightful crisp texture and maximize flavor potential.
• Moisture Management: Keep crackers away from humid areas and direct sunlight to prevent softening. Include a small silica gel packet in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and maintain optimal crunchiness.

Gooey Pecan Delights Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 22 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy pecan delights combine Southern comfort with elegant appetizer charm. Crisp pastry shells cradle rich cheese and toasted pecans, offering guests a perfect bite-sized indulgence you’ll savor at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 8 tbsps (113 g) butter, salted and softened
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) flour, all-purpose
• ½ cup (60 g) pecans, finely chopped
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the seasoned crackers.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Incorporate kosher salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and garlic powder into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of bold, zesty flavors.
3. Dough Formation: Gently fold in all-purpose flour, mixing until a consistent, malleable dough forms without overworking the mixture.
4. Log Shaping: Divide the seasoned dough into two equal portions, rolling each into uniform logs approximately 1 inch in diameter, then wrap tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap.
5. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least 30 minutes to solidify the dough and enhance flavor melding, allowing the seasonings to fully penetrate.
6. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for optimal baking.
7. Slicing and Arranging: Retrieve chilled logs and slice into thin, delicate rounds about 1/8 inch thick, positioning them carefully on prepared baking sheets with minimal spacing.
8. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 14-16 minutes until edges transform to a golden-brown hue and centers appear set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and crisp texture development.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerating logs for at least 30 minutes ensures firmer texture and prevents spreading during baking.
• Slice Consistently: Use a sharp knife and maintain uniform 1/8-inch thickness to guarantee even baking and professional-looking results.
• Watch Browning Carefully: Golden edges indicate doneness; avoid overbaking to preserve delicate, crisp texture and rich cheese flavor.
• Store Smartly: Once completely cooled, store in airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent moisture absorption.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 22
• Calories: 144
• Sugar: 0.3 g
• Sodium: 156 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3.5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg