Hedgehog Cookies

Hedgehog cookies are the perfect festive treat for those looking to bring a little whimsy into their holiday baking. With their adorable hedgehog shape and nutty, buttery flavor, these cookies will surely delight both kids and adults. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to brighten up your afternoon with a fun baking project, these cookies are a hit. The combination of soft, melt-in-your-mouth dough and the crunch of pecans creates a delightful texture that is both comforting and satisfying. What’s more, these little hedgehog-shaped cookies are easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients. The best part is the creativity that goes into decorating each cookie to look like a hedgehog with the help of mini chocolate chips for eyes and a whole pecan for the nose. Not only do these cookies taste delicious, but they also add a fun touch to your dessert table. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake these charming, delicious treats that will steal the show this holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Adorable Shape

The hedgehog shape of these cookies is so cute that it instantly makes them a standout at any event. Everyone will love their playful appearance and will be excited to dig into these fun treats.

2. Nutty and Buttery Flavor

The combination of finely chopped pecans and unsalted butter gives these cookies a rich, nutty flavor with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist.

3. Simple Ingredients

This recipe uses basic ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, including butter, powdered sugar, flour, and pecans. It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require any special tools or complex techniques.

4. Great for Holiday Baking

Hedgehog cookies make for a festive and fun holiday treat. They can be served at cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or wrapped up as part of a homemade gift. Plus, they’re a delightful way to get kids involved in the kitchen!

5. Versatile Decoration

While the recipe calls for mini chocolate chips and whole pecans for decoration, you can easily customize the hedgehog faces with other candies, like raisins or small gumdrops, to suit your preferences or available ingredients.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Finely chopped pecans
• Salt
• Mini chocolate chips
• Whole pecans

Variations

• Different Nuts: If you prefer a different nut, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Coating: For an extra decadent touch, dip the bottom of each hedgehog cookie in melted chocolate after baking.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor that complements the buttery cookies.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract

Stir in the vanilla extract and continue mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, chopped pecans, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix everything until the dough comes together and is well combined.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Create the Hedgehog Spikes

Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers. Then, using a toothpick or a skewer, gently press into the edges of each cookie to create the hedgehog’s spikes.

Step 6: Add the Eyes and Nose

Place two mini chocolate chips on each cookie for the eyes. Then, place a whole pecan in the center of the cookie to represent the hedgehog’s nose.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies at 350°F for 12-15 minutes or until they turn a light golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use softened butter: Be sure to use softened butter, not melted, to ensure the dough comes together properly.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave enough space between each cookie on the baking sheet so that they have room to spread slightly during baking.
• Customize the spikes: You can make the hedgehog’s spikes as long or as short as you like with a toothpick.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies toward the end of the baking time to avoid burning the edges.

How to Serve

Serve these Hedgehog Cookies on a festive holiday platter as part of a cookie assortment or as the main dessert at a holiday gathering. They are also perfect for serving at tea time or gifting in decorative boxes for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and maintain their shape.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough for later use. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and bake as directed.

Reheating

Hedgehog cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve been stored in the fridge or freezer, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

2. Can I use a different nut for these cookies?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer.

3. How do I store Hedgehog Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

4. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after shaping it into balls. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen.

5. How long do these cookies take to bake?

Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

6. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Yes, regular chocolate chips can work, but mini chocolate chips provide a cuter and more proportional look for the eyes.

7. Can I add other decorations?

Feel free to add other decorations, like small candies or frosting, to give your hedgehog cookies a personalized touch.

8. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.

9. Can I use a different flavor extract?

Vanilla is ideal for this recipe, but you can experiment with almond or hazelnut extract for a different flavor.

10. Can I bake these cookies on parchment paper?

Yes, parchment paper is perfect for baking these cookies as it prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.

Conclusion

Hedgehog cookies are a delightful treat that combines both creativity and deliciousness. Their cute hedgehog shape and nutty, buttery flavor make them perfect for holiday baking or any time you want to create a fun and memorable dessert. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. So, get baking, and bring some joy to your holiday gatherings with these adorable, tasty cookies.

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