Prepare to fall in love with these **Brown Butter Pecan Cookies**! They are a symphony of textures and flavors, boasting sweet, soft, and satisfyingly crunchy edges, all culminating in an absolutely decadent experience. Each bite delivers a beautiful, crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, irresistibly chewy interior, infused with a perfect, deep caramel-like deliciousness. This harmonious balance makes them truly a standout treat and seriously impossible to resist. Best of all, they require just a mere 10 minutes of bake time, making this recipe a quick and rewarding adventure in your kitchen. Get ready, because these are poised to become your go-to favorite cookie recipe for every occasion!
The magic of brown butter takes these cookies beyond ordinary. It transforms simple butter into a golden, nutty elixir, adding an unparalleled depth of flavor that perfectly complements the earthy notes of pecans. This humble ingredient elevates the entire cookie, making it taste complex and sophisticated, yet remarkably comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe promises success and smiles with every batch.
The holiday season, with its festive cheer and cozy traditions, always inspires a little indulgence in my kitchen. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about baking a fresh batch of cookies, filling the home with their inviting aroma. While my heart holds a special place for my classic Danish Butter Cookies Recipe—known for their delicate crumb and buttery richness—I recently experimented with some delightful Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies, which turned out absolutely fantastic, infusing every bite with warmth and spice.
These successful ventures sparked a new creative impulse: to develop another unique cookie variation. And so, here we are, celebrating these exquisite brown butter chocolate chip cookies with pecans. This recipe combines the rich, nutty notes of browned butter with the satisfying crunch of pecans and the sweet melt of chocolate chips, creating a cookie that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. Oh, and if you haven’t tried them yet, these Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Chip Cookies are another phenomenal treat worth exploring!
The beauty of these cookies lies not just in their incredible taste but also in their versatility. They are perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting in festive tins, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. The blend of textures and the deep, complex flavors make them a memorable addition to any dessert spread, suitable for everything from a casual afternoon snack to a grand holiday feast.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Adore These Cookies
- Essential Ingredients
- Substitutions & Creative Variations
- Crafting Your Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
- 1: Harmonize the Dry Ingredients
- 2: Achieve Golden Brown Butter Perfection
- 3: Cream the Cooled Butter and Sugars
- 4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Elements
- 5. Fold in Mix-ins and Chill the Dough
- 6. Bake to Golden Perfection
- Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
- Perfect Pairings for Your Cookies
- Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
- More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try
- Brown Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe Card
Why You’ll Adore These Cookies
Once you experience these homemade brown butter pecan cookies, you won’t be able to get enough! They offer a delightful escape into a world of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Here’s why this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen:
- **Consistently Perfect Results:** These soft and chewy butter pecan cookies turn out flawless every single time. The recipe is incredibly **simple and straightforward**, making it **almost foolproof**, even for novice bakers. Follow the steps, and deliciousness is guaranteed!
- **Effortless Preparation:** You’ll only need a **few basic pantry staples** and **minimal hands-on kitchen time** to whip up these utterly delicious sweet treats. Most of the time is dedicated to chilling, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully.
- **Ideal for Holiday Baking:** With their warm, sweet, and rich caramel-like flavor, these cookies are an absolute showstopper for the holidays! They evoke a sense of comfort and celebration, making them an instant hit with everyone. They are also a **fantastic and impressive addition to any cookie box** or platter you prepare for friends and family.
- **Unforgettable Nutty Flavor:** These cookies boast a truly **delicious nutty flavor profile**, reminiscent of your favorite butter pecan ice cream or classic pecan sugar cookies. There’s just an undeniable magic that happens with the combination of perfectly browned butter and toasted pecans – it’s a match made in culinary heaven that adds incredible depth and warmth.
- **Sensory Delight:** From the moment the brown butter begins to sizzle on the stove, filling your kitchen with its heavenly aroma, to the final bite of a warm, chewy cookie, this recipe is a feast for the senses. The contrast between the slightly crisp edges and the soft, melt-in-your-mouth center is pure bliss.
Essential Ingredients for Perfection
Crafting these delectable pecan chocolate chip cookies requires a handful of common ingredients that, when combined, create something truly extraordinary. You can find the precise quantities for each ingredient in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- **All-Purpose Flour:** This forms the structural backbone of our cookies. You’ll need just your classic all-purpose flour, also known as plain flour. Ensure it’s measured correctly to avoid dry, crumbly cookies. Sifting it can also lead to a lighter texture.
- **Large Eggs:** Eggs play a dual role here: they provide essential structure to the cookie dough, helping it hold its shape, and they contribute significantly to the soft, wonderfully chewy texture that defines a perfect cookie. Always use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
- **Unsalted Butter:** The star of the show! We use unsalted butter specifically to allow us to control the salt content in the recipe. Browning the butter unlocks a rich, nutty, and caramel-like flavor that is simply irreplaceable and elevates these cookies to another level.
- **Leavening Agents (Baking Powder & Baking Soda):** A carefully balanced mix of both baking powder and baking soda is used to ensure the cookies rise beautifully, achieving that ideal soft and airy interior while still maintaining a pleasant chew. Fresh leavening agents are key for optimal results.
- **Sugars (Granulated & Brown Sugar):** The combination of both granulated sugar and brown sugar is vital. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and contributes to the crispy edges, while brown sugar (whether light or dark) adds moisture, a delightful chewiness, and that coveted, deep caramel-like flavor that pairs so perfectly with brown butter.
- **Flavor & Texture Mix-ins:** These additions truly make the cookie complete.
- **Pecan Nuts:** Chopped pecans provide a wonderful crunch and a distinct, earthy nutty flavor that complements the brown butter. For an even deeper flavor, consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the dough.
- **Chocolate Chips:** I typically use dark chocolate chips for a rich, slightly bitter contrast, but feel free to choose your favorite type – milk chocolate, semi-sweet, or even chocolate chunks work wonderfully.
- **Vanilla Extract:** A generous amount of vanilla extract (I highly recommend using homemade vanilla extract if you have it for unparalleled flavor) enhances all the other flavors, adding a sweet aromatic note.
- **Sea Salt:** A touch of fine sea salt within the dough balances the sweetness and brings out the complexity of the brown butter and pecans. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top after baking also adds a beautiful finish and a delightful salty crunch.
For precise measurements of each ingredient and a step-by-step detailed recipe, please refer to the recipe card at the very bottom of this post.
Substitutions & Creative Variations
One of the joys of baking is the freedom to customize and experiment! While this brown butter pecan cookie recipe is perfect as is, here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
- **Chocolate Choices:** I opted for rich dark chocolate chips, which provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness. However, you can easily swap them for milk chocolate chips for a sweeter profile, white chocolate chips for a creamy touch, caramel chips for an extra layer of decadence, or even butterscotch chips to introduce a different kind of rich, buttery sweetness. Feel free to use chocolate chunks for a more varied texture in each bite.
- **Enhanced Pecan Flavor:** To truly elevate the nutty essence of your cookies, I highly recommend a simple extra step: lightly **pan-roast your pecans** before chopping and adding them to the dough. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or gently toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before incorporating them into the recipe. Toasted pecans develop a deeper, more robust nutty aroma and flavor, making a noticeable difference in the final cookie.
- **Festive Touches:** To give these cookies an extra special, festive flair, consider drizzling some melted chocolate (white, dark, or milk chocolate all work beautifully) over them once they’ve cooled. For an even more elegant presentation, you could even dunk half of each cookie into melted chocolate and then allow it to set on parchment paper. A sprinkle of holiday sprinkles before the chocolate sets would add a wonderful pop of color!
- **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of warm spices like ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny amount of cardamom to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of cozy flavor, especially perfect for autumn and winter baking.
- **Different Nuts:** While pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, or even toasted almonds for a different flavor profile.
- **Citrus Zest:** A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavors and add a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the butter and nuts.
**Top Tip for Perfect Cookies:** Accuracy in measuring your flour is paramount! Too much flour is a common pitfall that can lead to dry, dense, and crumbly cookies instead of the desirable soft and chewy texture we’re aiming for. For best results, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Crafting Your Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Making these brown butter pecan cookies is an enjoyable process, and each step contributes to their incredible flavor and texture. Before you begin, ensure you preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
1: Harmonize the Dry Ingredients.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a consistent rise and flavor in every cookie. Once combined, set this bowl aside.
2: Achieve Golden Brown Butter Perfection.
Place the unsalted butter in a light-colored skillet or saucepan (a light color helps you monitor the browning process). Heat the butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it will first foam, then begin to simmer, and eventually, the milk solids will separate and start to toast. Whisk the butter frequently, watching closely as the color progresses from yellow to golden, then to a rich, nutty brown, and listen for a subtle nutty aroma. You’ll see tiny browned bits at the bottom of the pan – these are where all the flavor is! **Browned butter is the secret to giving these cookies their signature rich, nutty, and caramel-like flavor.** Be careful not to burn it; the process happens quickly once it starts browning.
3: Cream the Cooled Butter and Sugars.
Once your butter has reached that beautiful golden-brown stage, immediately remove it from the heat to prevent it from burning. Carefully pour the hot brown butter, making sure to scrape all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a rubber spatula, into a large mixing bowl. It’s crucial to allow the brown butter to cool down slightly before proceeding; it shouldn’t be piping hot, but still warm enough to be liquid. Once cooled, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the brown butter. Using an electric mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease), beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Elements.
Now, to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the vanilla extract and the room temperature large egg. Beat these wet ingredients thoroughly until everything is perfectly combined and smooth. Once the wet ingredients are harmonized, gradually add the dry ingredients that you set aside earlier. Mix on low speed just until they are mostly combined. Be very careful **not to overmix** the dough; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough rather than tender cookies.
5. Fold in Mix-ins and Chill the Dough.
Finally, gently fold in your chosen chocolate chips and the chopped pecans until they are just evenly distributed throughout the dough. Again, be mindful not to overmix. Once the mix-ins are incorporated, it’s time for a crucial step: chilling the dough. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for a minimum of 12 hours. While it may seem like a long wait, this chilling period is essential. It allows the flavors to meld and deepen, the flour to fully hydrate, and the butter to firm up, which ultimately prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a perfectly shaped, chewy cookie with enhanced flavor.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection.
When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough from the fridge and let it soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If your kitchen is particularly warm, a shorter time might suffice. Using a large cookie scoop, portion the dough into even balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between each to allow for spreading. For an extra aesthetic touch and to signal the deliciousness within, gently press a few whole pecans or pecan halves onto the top of each cookie dough ball before baking. Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown. It’s perfectly normal, and even desirable, for the centers to still appear slightly soft or underbaked; they will continue to set as they cool, ensuring a wonderfully chewy texture.
Once baked, allow the warm cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For a final flourish that enhances both flavor and presentation, sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt over the cooled cookies. This adds a delicate crunch and a delightful counterpoint to their sweetness. These homemade brown butter pecan cookies are now ready to be savored!
Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Achieving cookie perfection is all about understanding the nuances of baking. Here are some pro tips to ensure your brown butter pecan cookies are nothing short of spectacular:
- **Avoid Overbaking at All Costs:** This is perhaps the most critical tip for chewy cookies! These beauties only need about **10-12 minutes in the oven**. The edges should be golden brown, but the centers should still appear slightly soft or even underbaked when you pull them out. Remember, cookies continue to cook and firm up as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Overbaking will result in hard, dry cookies.
- **Fresh Leavening Agents are Key:** Baking powder and baking soda lose their potency over time. Always ensure you are using good quality, fresh leavening agents. If your leavening agents are old, your cookies might not rise properly, resulting in a dense and flat texture. To test if your baking soda is still active, mix a teaspoon with a bit of vinegar; if it fizzes vigorously, it’s good to go. For baking powder, mix with warm water.
- **Proper Storage:** To keep your brown butter pecan cookies fresh and delicious for longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully soft and flavorful for **5-7 days**. For ultimate freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft.
- **Freezing for Later Enjoyment:** If you wish to extend their shelf life, these cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until they are completely solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store them for **up to 2 months**. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for quick fresh cookies anytime!
- **For Extra Chewy Cookies:** If you’re a fan of super chewy cookies, here’s a secret ingredient: add **one teaspoon of cornstarch** to your dry ingredients along with the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Cornstarch helps to soften the proteins in the flour, leading to cookies with delightfully crisp edges and wonderfully soft, gooey, chewy centers. Additionally, bake the cookies for 1 minute less than suggested to ensure they retain maximum softness and chewiness.
- **Room Temperature Ingredients:** Unless specifically stated otherwise (like chilled dough), always use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs). They emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform dough, which translates to better cookie texture.
- **Don’t Crowd the Baking Sheet:** Give your cookies space! Placing too many cookies on one baking sheet can lead to uneven baking as they release moisture and lower the oven temperature. Bake in batches if necessary.
For more in-depth knowledge on perfecting that ideal chewy texture, consider exploring guides like this one: 14 tips for perfect chewy cookies.
Toasting the pecans beforehand will infuse your cookies with an even greater depth of flavor. This simple step intensifies their natural nuttiness and adds a wonderful aromatic dimension. If you have the extra few minutes, I wholeheartedly recommend giving your pecans a light toast.
Perfect Pairings for Your Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
These exquisite brown butter pecan cookies are delicious enough to enjoy on their own as a delightful snack, but they also shine when paired with complementary beverages or as part of a larger meal or holiday spread. There’s truly nothing more comforting than a warm, freshly baked cookie alongside a cold glass of milk!
Here are some more ideas for how to enjoy these rich, nutty, and sweet treats:
- **Classic Comfort:** A tall glass of cold milk is the quintessential pairing, offering a refreshing contrast to the cookie’s richness. A warm cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot cocoa also creates a cozy and indulgent experience.
- **Elegant Dessert Plate:** Elevate your dinner table by featuring these cookies alongside more elaborate dishes. They would be a wonderful sweet note after a savory main course like a succulent Herb Roasted Duck or flavorful Lemon Pepper Turkey Wings. Complement them with sides such as Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes or savory Garlic Butter Rolls. For a truly unforgettable dessert experience, serve them alongside a slice of rich Salted Caramel Cake.
- **Party Pleasers:** If you’re preparing these cookies for a gathering or party, they make an excellent addition to a spread of crowd-pleasing appetizers. Imagine them alongside hearty Loaded French Fries, delightful Potato Cheese Balls, and a beautifully arranged Sweet and Salty Charcuterie Board. For an even more varied dessert offering, consider adding other homemade sweet treats like my easy Beignets Recipe or a sophisticated Pear Almond Cake.
- **Ice Cream Companion:** Crumble a warm brown butter pecan cookie over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an incredible texture and flavor contrast. Or, for true indulgence, make an ice cream sandwich with two cookies and your favorite ice cream flavor.
- **Afternoon Treat:** Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these brown butter pecan cookies are designed to bring joy and satisfaction to every palate.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
The key to perfectly chewy cookies is to slightly underbake them. Look for cookies that appear lightly golden brown around the edges, while the centers still look a bit soft or even slightly doughy. They will continue to firm up considerably as they cool on the baking sheet and then on the wire rack. Trust the process – taking them out when they seem just a little bit undone is the secret to that ideal soft and chewy texture.
There are a few common culprits for dense cookies. The most frequent reason is adding too much flour. Ensure you measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Another major factor is overmixing the cookie dough after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, using old leavening agents can prevent proper rise, and overbaking can dry them out.
While it can be tempting to skip, chilling the dough is incredibly important for these brown butter pecan cookies, and I wouldn’t recommend skipping it. Chilling serves several vital purposes: it allows the dry ingredients (especially the flour) to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender cookie. More importantly, it firms up the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, giving them a thicker, chewier texture. Finally, the chilling period allows all the wonderful flavors, especially the complex notes of the brown butter and pecans, to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more flavorful cookie. For the best results, definitely chill your dough!
While unsalted butter is preferred for precise control over the salt content, you can use salted butter in a pinch. If you do, omit the added sea salt from the recipe. Keep in mind that the salt content in salted butter can vary between brands, so the final taste might be slightly different. For consistent results, unsalted butter is always the best choice.
Browning butter requires a watchful eye! Use a light-colored pan so you can easily see the color change. Start over medium heat and whisk frequently. It will melt, then foam, then the milk solids at the bottom will start to turn golden, then amber, and finally a beautiful nutty brown. As soon as you see those browned bits and smell a rich, nutty aroma, immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the butter into a separate, cool bowl to stop the cooking process. The whole process takes only a few minutes, so stay attentive!
More Irresistible Cookie Recipes to Try
Chocolate Chip Butterscotch Chip Cookies
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Danish Butter Cookies Recipe
Easiest Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Brown Butter Pecan Cookies
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15
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25
8 large cookies
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Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt. Set aside.
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Add the butter to a light-colored skillet or saucepan and heat on medium heat. Whisk continuously as the butter melts, foams, and the milk solids at the bottom turn golden brown and fragrant.
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Immediately remove from the heat and pour the brown butter, including all the browned bits, into a separate large mixing bowl.
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Allow the brown butter to cool down slightly until it’s still liquid but no longer piping hot.
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Once the butter is cooled, whisk the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
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Now add the vanilla extract and egg. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
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Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Make sure not to overmix!
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Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 12 hours. This step is crucial for flavor development and texture.
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When ready to bake, take the dough out of the fridge and allow it to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes (or less if your house is warm). Use a large cookie scoop to divide the dough into even portions and place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Optionally, press whole pecan nuts on top for garnish.
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Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft.
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Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Finish by sprinkling them with a pinch of flaky sea salt and additional pecan nuts for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Make sure you don’t end up overbaking the cookies; they just need 10-12 minutes in the oven. Keep in mind that they will firm up as they cool down, ensuring a chewy center.
- Always use good quality and fresh leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda). Old agents can lose their effectiveness, leading to dense, flat cookies.
- You can store these pecan brown butter cookies for 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- To achieve extra chewy cookies, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the dry ingredients. This helps create crisp edges and softer, chewier centers.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 52g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 20g |
Saturated Fat: 11g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 6g |
Trans Fat: 0.5g |
Cholesterol: 51mg |
Sodium: 182mg |
Potassium: 161mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 30g |
Vitamin A: 389IU |
Vitamin C: 0.1mg |
Calcium: 73mg |
Iron: 2mg
Additional Info
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