If you have a soft spot for rich, buttery treats infused with the warm, nutty charm of toasted pecans, then this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is going to feel like a hug from your oven. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender centers and crisp edges, delivering that luscious brown sugar sweetness with every bite. Whether you’re assembling a holiday cookie platter or craving an anytime snack, these easy-to-make gems bring classic comfort and unbeatable flavor straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe plays an essential role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor. From the butter that lends richness to the toasted pecans that provide crunch and depth, these basics transform into pure cookie magic.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, rich base essential for tender yet sturdy cookies.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep molasses sweetness and moisture for chewy centers.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar with a bit of crispness and sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients and add moisture for soft texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives structure to your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough without spreading too thin.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted: Adds a toasty crunch and nutty richness that defines the cookie.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature to bake cookies that have crisp edges without drying out the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and even baking. This little prep step saves you cleaning time and helps the cookies keep their perfect shape.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This process is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a soft and tender texture. Take your time here and don’t rush this step—it makes a huge difference!
Step 3: Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. This prevents the batter from curdling and helps build a smooth consistency. Once combined, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its warm, comforting aroma.
Step 4: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed so your cookies bake uniformly. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined—overmixing toughens cookies, so gentle folding is key.
Step 5: Adding Toasted Pecans
Now for the star of the show: fold in the toasted chopped pecans. Toasting the pecans beforehand brings out their natural oils and deeper flavors, giving your Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe that irresistible nutty crunch. If desired, you can add a pinch of cinnamon here to add a cozy layer of spiced warmth.
Step 6: Shaping and Baking
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop dough balls spaced about two inches apart onto your lined baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden brown, and the centers have set but remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack so they firm up perfectly without drying out.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cookies even more irresistible, consider garnishing with a light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These simple touches enhance the sweet and salty contrast that pairs beautifully with the buttery pecan flavor.
Side Dishes
Butter Pecan Cookies are delightful on their own but also pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of rich coffee, or a cozy mug of hot cocoa. The drinks complement the cookie’s sweetness and help balance each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these cookies as a gift or serving them at a party, stack them between wax paper inside a festive tin or jar tied with a ribbon. Alternatively, create cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream between two cookies—a perfect twist for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping them sealed prevents them from becoming stale and helps preserve that delightful balance of chewy centers and crisp edges.
Freezing
To enjoy these cookies later, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when hunger strikes.
Reheating
If you want to recreate that fresh-baked warmth, pop the cookie in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This brings back the softness inside while maintaining a slight crisp outside, just like when they first came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped pecans?
Absolutely! Using pecan halves will give you bigger nutty bites in each cookie. Just keep in mind that the overall texture may be a bit chunkier, so adjust chopping according to your preference.
What can I substitute for unsalted butter?
If you only have salted butter, you can use it but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to keep the flavor balanced. Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over saltiness.
How do I make the cookies more chewy?
To create chewier cookies, you can slightly reduce the baking time and make sure not to overbake them. Also, using all brown sugar instead of part granulated sugar increases moisture and chewiness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that replaces wheat flour cup-for-cup. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
How do I toast pecans properly?
Spread pecans evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through. They’re done when they smell fragrant and turn a light golden color. Be cautious not to burn them!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe enough for anyone craving a classic cookie with personality and warmth. From the buttery dough to the crunchy toasted pecans, every bite delivers cozy, tender deliciousness. Bake a batch, share with friends, and watch how these cookies quickly become a beloved staple.
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These rich and buttery pecan cookies are soft in the center with crisp edges, filled with toasted pecans and brown sugar flavor. Perfect for holiday trays or an everyday treat, they’re quick to prepare and deliver that warm, nutty sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to form cookie dough.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dry ingredients or use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Ensure butter is softened (but not melted) for the best creaming results and cookie texture.
