If you’re in the mood for something wonderfully comforting, you simply can’t go wrong with these Butter Pecan Cookies. Golden brown and laced with toasty, buttery pecans, each bite offers soft, chewy goodness with a delightful crunch. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or for festive gatherings, these cookies strike just the right balance of sweet, salty, and nutty. Here’s how you can make your own batch of this irresistible treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients combine to create such a standout favorite. Every component plays a starring role here, from the rich, creamy butter to those toasted pecans that give Butter Pecan Cookies their unforgettable flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened: This adds rich flavor and creates that classic chewy texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for the best creaming action.
- Brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar gives the cookies a deep caramel note and softer crumb thanks to its molasses content.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right in the oven.
- Large eggs: These bind all the ingredients and lend moisture for perfect chewiness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances every other flavor in the dough—don’t skip this!
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookies so they’re sturdy but still soft inside.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a golden edge.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and sharpening flavors; even a little makes a big difference.
- Chopped pecans, toasted: The star of Butter Pecan Cookies—toasting them brings out their aroma and gives every bite a crunchy, buttery pop.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Start by toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often. This one step seriously intensifies their flavor and makes a noticeable difference in your Butter Pecan Cookies. Set them aside to cool while you get started on the rest of your dough.
Step 2: Prepare Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Having everything set up in advance means your dough will go straight from bowl to oven, giving you even, perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes and adds air to your dough, leading to those tender, pillowy cookies we’re all after. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything’s blended.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, which brings a subtle sweetness and really ties the flavors together in every bite of your Butter Pecan Cookies.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This quick step ensures your leavening is evenly distributed, so each cookie bakes up beautifully soft in the middle with that just-right golden edge.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the texture to stay tender! Use a spatula to fold in the cooled, toasted pecans. Get ready to sneak a taste of that dough!
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Pop them in the oven for 10–12 minutes, baking until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set (they’ll firm as they cool). Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is tough, but oh, it’s worth it!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
Garnishes
To add an extra-special touch, top your freshly baked Butter Pecan Cookies with a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt or even a drizzle of browned butter glaze. You can also press a whole pecan into each cookie just before baking for even more pecan goodness and a look that’s totally dessert-shop-worthy.
Side Dishes
These cookies are lovely with a chilled glass of milk or a mug of strong coffee. For dessert spreads, pair them with rich vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of butter pecan ice cream to double down on cozy, nutty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn your Butter Pecan Cookies into ice cream sandwiches or break them up over a bowl of creamy yogurt for a breakfast treat. Stack them up in a cellophane bag with a pretty ribbon for instant homemade gift magic—because nothing says “thinking of you” quite like freshly baked cookies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, ready to grab whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Once completely cool, pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—just bake from frozen and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
If you want that fresh-from-the-oven effect, warm your Butter Pecan Cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back the lovely, gooey center and wakes up the toasted pecan aroma.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely, just reduce the additional salt in the recipe to compensate. Salted butter will add a little extra depth, which can actually be wonderful with the sweet and nutty flavors.
Why do I need to toast the pecans?
Toasting pecans draws out their natural oils and enhances their unique flavor, giving your Butter Pecan Cookies that coveted rich, nutty crunch in every bite.
Can I substitute walnuts or other nuts?
You can definitely swap in other nuts if you like, but pecans are the classic choice here. Walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds work, although each will change the overall flavor and texture a bit.
Do I need to chill the dough?
For this recipe, you don’t need to chill the dough unless your kitchen is very warm and the dough seems sticky. Chilling will help the cookies spread less and make them even chewier if that’s your preference!
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown but the centers will still look a little soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so remove them from the oven once the edges are set to ensure the perfect chewy center.
Final Thoughts
There’s real joy in baking a batch of Butter Pecan Cookies—it’s the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. Give this recipe a try and watch them disappear one delicious, nutty bite at a time!
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat with a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and toasted pecan crunch. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 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: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, to enhance their flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
