Pecan Drops 1/2 cup butter or margarine softened. 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg yolk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 cup flour 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans pecan halves or big pieces to top the cookies with Cream butter and sugar. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Beat with mixer (or vigorously with spoon) until mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in cream of tartar. Stir in flour and chopped pecans. Drop by heaping half teaspoonfuls 1 inch apart on lightly greased cookie sheet. Press pecan half or piece onto center of each. Bake at 300 degrees for 23-25 minutes.