Delicious Southern Pecan Puffs Recipe to Try at Home
Come, gather around my kitchen and allow me to introduce you to a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Allow me, a humble southern chef, to present to you the Southern Pecan Puffs Recipe – a recipe that will transport you straight to the heart of the southern United States with just one bite.
This recipe is dear to me, not just because it’s authentically southern, but also because it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday celebration, this recipe will be the star of the show.
Admire the beautiful golden brown pastry and breathe in the nutty aroma of pecans. One bite and you’ll be hooked for life. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of these puffs mixed with the sweet maple syrup will leave you wanting more every time.
So why should you try making Southern Pecan Puffs? The answer is simple: These are no ordinary pecan puffs. This recipe is tested, tried and true, ensuring perfect results every time.
Let this recipe be a new addition to your collection of dessert recipes. I promise once you’ve tasted these puffs there will be no going back. It’s time to elevate your baking game and wow your family and friends with these southern delicacies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, boy have I got a treat for you! I’m talking about Southern Pecan Puffs – the melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’ll make your taste buds sing with ecstasy. If you have a sweet tooth, these pecan crisps are the perfect dessert for you! And if you’re not a fan of sweets, well, I guarantee this recipe will convert you.
Why do I adore this recipe? Let me count the ways. First, the ingredients are simple but perfectly balanced: pecans, butter, brown sugar, and puff pastry sheets. These items work in harmony to create an out-of-this-world flavor that’s hard to resist. Second, the texture is crunchy on the outside, but once you take a bite, it quickly melts in your mouth like buttery snowflakes.
But what really makes this recipe divine is its versatility. You can use it as a snack during afternoon tea or as a sumptuous dessert to cap off any meal. It’s a great addition to holiday repertoires as well – be it Christmas cookies or an all-American Thanksgiving dish.
It’s time to break free from boring desserts and try something new that’ll win over anyone’s heart (and palate). Oh, and did I mention how quick and easy this recipe is? It only takes three steps: melt the butter and mix it with the rest of the ingredients; roll them into little balls, place them onto pastry sheets; then bake them to golden-brown perfection!
Trust me; once you taste these Southern Pecan Puffs, they’ll become essential in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all the needed ingredients in the list below. The southern pecan puffs recipe requires simple ingredients that we may already have in our pantry or refrigerator.
Ingredients | Quantity
— | —
Puff Pastry Sheets (Pepperidge Farm brand preferred)| 1 (17.3 ounce) package
Butter, unsalted | ½ cup (1 stick)
Brown Sugar, packed | 1 ½ cups
Pecans, chopped | 1 cup
Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | ½ cup
Substitutions and Additions
- Almond Flour can be used in place of powdered sugar for dusting.
- If desired, add a pinch of salt or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- You can try substituting pecan nuts with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- For a gluten-free option, use cake flour instead of puff pastry sheets.
- For a unique twist, add chopped goat cheese to the mixture before forming into balls.
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get started on making the melt-in-your-mouth pecan puffs recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part, time to whip up those melt-in-your-mouth Southern Pecan Puffs. This recipe makes about 18–20 puffs.
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Filling
Using a food processor, combine 1 cup of pecan nuts and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Pulse until the pecans are ground (but not too fine) and mixed well with the powdered sugar.
Next, in a mixing bowl, stir 2 tablespoons of butter melted, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract together. Once combined, stir in the pecans until creamy and smooth.
Assemble the Puffs
On a lightly floured surface, lay out your thawed Puff Pastry Sheets. Spread the pecan mixture evenly on top of each sheet. Roll up tightly jelly-roll style and cut into about 1-inch slices.
Place the slices on your lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart from each other. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for around 12-15 minutes or until the puffs have turned golden brown and have puffed.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Sprinkle them with additional powdered sugar if you like (which I highly recommend). Serve while they’re still warm — it’s perfect alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, as a Southern-style chef, I know that some of you may not have all the ingredients on hand or may want to mix things up a bit. So, let’s talk about substitutions and variations.
First, let’s discuss some substitutions for pecans. If you don’t have pecans or are allergic, you can use other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. You can even use pecan flour or ground pecans in place of chopped pecans if you prefer a finer texture.
Also, if you don’t have access to store-bought puff pastry sheets, you can make your own by using a recipe for homemade puff pastry. Or you can use pre-made crescent dough or pie crust as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be different from traditional puff pastry.
For those looking to make variations of this recipe, try adding a splash of bourbon to the mixture for an added punch of flavor. You can also add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent treat. Another option is to sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of the puffs before baking them for a twist on classic Southern flavors.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making cheese and pecan puffs by stuffing the puff pastry with goat cheese and chopped pecans before baking them. The savory combination with the sweet pastry is sure to impress at any gathering.
Lastly, for those coffee lovers out there, add espresso powder to the dough or filling mixture for an exciting coffee-flavored twist on this classic dessert.
The possibilities are endless with substitutions and variations – don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own spin on this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve created these melt-in-your-mouth Southern Pecan Puffs, the question is, how best to serve them to make everyone’s taste buds dance?
These little puffs are a hit with coffee or tea, so they pair nicely with a hot cup of your favorite brew. You could also serve them as an impressive finale to your dinner party as a dessert paired with a sweet wine like Muscat or Icewine.
But if you’re looking for something a little less formal, try whipping up some whipped cream and adding these lovely puffs on top for an indulgent treat. Or, if you’re feeling brave enough to experiment, try pairing it with a savory dish like goat cheese, which can cut the sweetness of the brown sugar and enhance the flavor of the pecans.
Another easy way to take these puffs to the next level is by sprinkling powdered sugar over them before serving. The delicate sweetness of the powder complements well the nutty and buttery flavors in every bite. Add some freshly brewed coffee or tea, and you’ll have yourself an everyday version of high tea.
In case you’re looking for other ways to mix things up or showcase your culinary flexibility, try turning them into breakfast treats by preparing them like waffles and serving them with maple syrup or honey. You get a yummy combination of coffee-flavored dough and sweet toppings that will leave you full all day long.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing these Southern Pecan Puffs. I hope that this recipe becomes one of your most loved desserts not only for its delicious taste but also because it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed in various settings any time of the day!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Oh boy, let’s talk about make-ahead and storing these melt-in-your-mouth Southern Pecan Puffs. After all, we want to make sure we get the best out of them even after a day or two. Trust me, these puffs are so addicting that you won’t be able to resist making them ahead of time for a holiday party or family gathering.
If you’re planning on freezing these gems for later, start by placing your coffee pecan puffs onto a baking sheet and freeze them for a solid half an hour. This will help prevent them from sticking together once they’re frozen.
Once your southern pecan crisps are frozen, place them into an airtight container or sealable freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to six weeks without any problems. To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature before reheating.
In case you have leftovers from a recent bake-fest, I got some tips on how to store and reheat these little bites of heaven. Store your pecan puffs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’re planning to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
When it comes to reheating, it’s best not to microwave your Southern Pecan Puffs as they’ll lose their crispiness in seconds. Instead, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place your puffs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 5-8 minutes or until they’re golden brown and heated throughout.
For a fancy dessert presentation, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving with coffee or tea. And trust me when I say this – these pecan puffs pair well with practically anything sweet!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking Southern Pecan Puffs, it’s all about the details. As a chef who has been making these melt-in-your-mouth cookies for years, I’ve come up with a few tips that are guaranteed to give you the best pecan puffs every time.
Firstly, make sure your puff pastry is at room temperature before you begin. This will prevent the pastry from cracking and ensure a smooth, even bake. Secondly, take care when forming the puffs – make sure they are compact and symmetrical for uniform baking.
In terms of ingredients, use high-quality butter for richness and flavor, and be sure to pulse your pecans in a food processor until they are finely ground but not pasty. This will give your puffs the perfect crumbly texture without sacrificing any nuttiness.
When it comes to cooking, set a timer and follow the recipe closely. Overbaking can result in dry or burnt cookies, while underbaking will leave them soggy and pale. And remember to let the puffs cool completely before dusting them generously with powdered sugar for that classic Southern finish.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating the best Southern Pecan Puffs around!
FAQ
Now, let’s move on to the frequently asked questions about our Southern Pecan Puffs Recipe. I know that some of you may have questions or concerns about the ingredients, substitutions, and variations that can be made to suit different preferences. Or perhaps you’re wondering about the best ways to store and reheat these melt-in-your-mouth treats. Don’t worry because I’ve got you covered with some handy tips and answers to your most pressing questions!
Is pecan flour the same as ground pecans?
When pecan nuts are ground up, they can produce either pecan meal or pecan flour depending on the fineness of the grind. Pecan flour is made from finely ground pecans while pecan meal consists of larger pieces, often called flakes.
Is pecan flour just pecans?
Pecan meal, also referred to as pecan flour, boasts numerous baking properties and remarkable versatility in culinary applications. High-quality pecan meal is made entirely from ground pecans and can effortlessly replace other types of flour in any recipe.
Can I make my own pecan meal?
To create a delightful pecan flour, start by incorporating ½ cup of pecan pieces into your blender, food processor, or even your coffee grinder. Crush the nuts until they are ground into a rough meal, then use a sifter to strain the powder into a mixing bowl. If any pieces remain, toss them back into the grinder, together with more pecan bits.
What can I use in place of pecan meal?
If you are unable to get your hands on the required ingredients for this recipe, fret not! There are several substitutes you can use. Almond flour or blanched almond flour would be great alternatives. Additionally, you could try using mammoth pecans gold series, hazelnut meal, ground flax seed meal, pumpernickel flour, cornmeal, spelt flour, or even whole oat flour. These options should have similar textures and flavors to the required ingredient, and can work just as well!
What is pecan flour good for?
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to wheat or other types of flour in your baking, pecan flour might just be the perfect solution. This flour is derived from pecan oil, which has been defatted during the production process. As a result, the resulting flour is a genuine and versatile ingredient that works well in a variety of recipes, including cookies, brownies, pancakes, and more.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks! My Southern Pecan Puffs recipe that is sure to make your taste buds explode with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results.
I hope that I have convinced you to give this recipe a go and experience the joy of baking these delectable Southern Pecan Puffs for yourself. And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to cater to your own preferences.
From breakfast pastries to lunchtime snacks, or holiday desserts to coffee-time treats, these puffs are incredibly versatile and suitable for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start baking today! I promise you won’t regret it.
Finally, do not forget, when serving your Southern Pecan Puffs, sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy every buttery, crunchy bite. Trust me; it’s worth every calorie. With the nutty aroma of pecans and the sweetness of brown sugar, these will be the best treat on any table.
Happy baking!
Southern Pecan Puffs Recipe
Ingredients
- 0.5 (17 1/3 ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets (1 sheet)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Thaw pastry sheet at room temperature 30 minute Preheat oven to 400º.
- Mix brown sugar, butter and pecans.
- Unfold pastry on lightly floured surface. Roll into 15"x12" rectangle. Cut into 20 squares (I actually only did 16).
- Press squares into bottoms of muffin tins. Place 1 heaping teaspoon pecan mixture in center of each.
- Bake 12 minutes or until golden.
- Remove from pans. Cool on wire rack.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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