Spicy Pear Cookies

These Spicy Pear Cookies are a game-changer for fall baking.

With the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and a surprising kick from cayenne pepper, they’re a delightful twist on traditional sugar cookies.

The added texture of chopped pecans and sweetness of ripe pear make them irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 ripe but firm pear, peeled, cored, and finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the vanilla extract and mix well, then beat in the large egg until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cayenne pepper.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.

Fold in the chopped pecans and chopped pear until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Spicy Pear Cookies are best consumed within 3 days of baking for optimal flavor and texture.

To toast the pecans, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned.

Let them cool completely before chopping.

For an extra crispy exterior and chewy interior, make sure to not overmix the dough.

If you prefer a stronger pear flavor, use 1 1/2 or 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped.

Cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, but feel free to reduce or omit it depending on your desired level of spiciness.

These cookies freeze well, so consider storing them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Simply thaw at room temperature or bake frozen cookies for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Perfect for a snack or dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 2g