On September 21 we celebrate, National Pecan Cookie Day, a perfect day to celebrate, delicious crunchy flavour cookies. Cookies are loved by all age groups especially Pecan Cookies because it is loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
History of National Pecan Cookie Day
Did you know that, the word ‘pecan’ has Algonquian origins translated as ‘a nut requiring a stone to crack.’ Also, the pecan is part of the hickory family, which was found mainly in the central and southern regions of the United States.
Going to the past according to the Historical records from the years 1500s it is claimed that Europeans first encountered pecans in Mexico, which included several southern states of the United States. Likewise, Pecans were immediately accepted and gained popularity when American colonists came across them and tasted their delicious flavour.
It first entered print in 1773, and former U.S. President George Washington was said to have received the nuts from Thomas Jefferson and planted several pecan trees. Latter on Pecans soon became a symbol of the American South, setting the stage for the creation of the widely popular pecan pie.
Besides this, it is delicious to eat, pecans have several vital health benefits. Also, they have a fair amount of protein, fiber, iron, vitamin B, and magnesium. This is the better option to eat the right and healthy diet. Also, this observance presents the opportunity for foodies to enjoy these delightful cookies and share them with family and friends.
Also, one excellent way to mark National Pecan Cookie Day is to eat a fresh homemade batch straight out of the oven itsn’t a cool way to celebrate it right? A cool glass of milk will work wonders as a pairing. There happen to be tons of recipes out there for creating firm or soft versions of the cookie.
| 1500s (Pecans are Discovered in Mexico) | American colonists come across pecans in Mexico. |
| 1773 (Pecans Enter Print) | Pecans get their first mention in print. |
| 1876 (Improved Pecans are Born) | At the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, an African-American slave gardener hailing from Louisiana, Antoine, wins the Best Pecan Exhibited title — marking the first usage of improved pecans. |
| 1919 (The Pecan Tree Becomes Texas’ State Tree) | Texans adopt the pecan tree as their state tree. |
Pecan Cookies Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5 Facts About Pecans
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Toughie- The word ‘pecan’ has Algonquian origins, roughly translating to ‘a tough nut to crack.’
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That’s a lot of pecans- Placed end to end, you would need over 11,624 pecans to reach the topmost height of New York’s Empire State Building.
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Major shareholders- The United States accounts for approximately 80% of the world’s supply of pecan crops.
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A Southern love story- In 1919, Texans chose the pecan tree to be their state tree.
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Grinding process- Before shelled pecans are sold, they must be sized, cleaned, sterilized, cracked, and shelled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Pecan Cookie Day usually falls on September 21st a delightful occasion to celebrate and enjoy one of the many delicious variations of cookies. Whether you’re baking a batch at home with the recipe provided or savouring cookies from a favourite bakery, it’s a day to appreciate the rich, nutty flavour of pecans. So, mark your calendar, gather your ingredients, and take the opportunity to indulge in these tasty treats. Happy baking, and enjoy your pecan cookies!
FAQs
What are the main health benefits of pecans?
Pecans offer several health benefits, including being rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Can pecans help with weight management?
Pecans are calorie-dense but can aid in weight management due to their fiber and healthy fat content, which promote satiety and help control appetite.
Do I need special ingredients to make pecan cookies?
The primary special ingredient is, of course, pecans and other common baking ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, and vanilla extract.
Can I make pecan cookies without nuts?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use nuts, you can make a similar cookie recipe by substituting the pecans with another mix-in, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit, although it won’t be a pecan cookie.
Also, read more about National Cookie Dough Day – June 21, 2024
