Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

There’s something about Butter Pecan Cookies that just hits the sweet spot—crispy, buttery, and loaded with rich, nutty flavor. These little gems are a perfect balance of crunch and chew, with toasted pecans adding a toasty richness that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, an afternoon treat, or just because you’re craving something comforting, these cookies are sure to impress. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, so you can have a batch ready in no time. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are everything you want in a treat: rich, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Buttery Goodness

These cookies are packed with buttery flavor that melts in your mouth with every bite. If you’re a fan of rich, classic cookie flavors, these will quickly become a favorite.

Crunchy & Chewy Texture

The combination of the crispy edges and soft centers makes these cookies perfectly balanced, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.

Nutty & Toasted Flavor

The toasted pecans really elevate these cookies, giving them a warm, nutty flavor that pairs so well with the sweetness of the dough.

Easy to Make

These cookies come together quickly with minimal ingredients, making them a perfect option when you’re craving something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a cookie swap, or just a cozy treat for yourself, these cookies are a hit wherever you take them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake these delicious butter pecan cookies:

Butter

Butter is the star of the show here—rich, creamy, and what gives these cookies that signature flavor. Use unsalted butter for the best results.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that deepens the taste of the cookies, making them even more irresistible.

Granulated Sugar

Regular granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness to balance out the rich butter and brown sugar.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the dough together, giving the cookies structure and a nice chewy texture.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour provides the base for the cookie dough and gives the cookies their soft, chewy texture.

Baking Soda

A little baking soda helps the cookies rise just the right amount, giving them a light texture with slightly crisp edges.

Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances out the richness of the butter and brown sugar.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth of flavor to the dough, making the cookies even more aromatic.

Pecans

Toasted pecans add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that makes these cookies extra special. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor even more!

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get baking and create these perfect butter pecan cookies!

Preheat the Oven & Toast the Pecans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping them roughly.

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of beating.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Stir in the Pecans

Once the dough comes together, fold in the chopped toasted pecans. The more pecans, the better, right?

Scoop the Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each cookie for them to spread.

Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.

Cool & Serve

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now you’re ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 55mg
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are a treat on their own, but here are some ideas for serving them:

Pair with Coffee or Tea

The nutty flavors of these cookies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re having an afternoon pick-me-up or a dessert after dinner, it’s the perfect combo.

Serve with Ice Cream

Want to make things extra indulgent? Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top for an over-the-top dessert experience.

Gift Them

These cookies make great homemade gifts! Pack them in a cute tin or box and give them as a treat for friends or family. It’s a sweet way to share the love!

Additional Tips

Toast the Pecans

To bring out the best flavor in the pecans, toast them first! It adds an extra layer of nuttiness that really enhances the flavor of the cookies.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Be sure to mix the dough just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough. You want them to stay soft and chewy.

Storage Tips

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you need them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing.

Customize the Nuts

Not a fan of pecans? You can easily swap them out for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure to toast them to get the best flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use unsalted butter?

A1: Yes! Unsalted butter is perfect for this recipe. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor.

Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A2: Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and your cookies will be just as delicious.

Q3: Can I use roasted pecans instead of raw?

A3: Yes, roasted pecans will work just fine! Just make sure they’re chopped and ready to go.

Q4: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

A4: Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just place the dough balls directly on the baking sheet and bake as usual.

Q5: How do I know when the cookies are done?

A5: The cookies are done when the edges are golden and the centers are set. They might still look a bit soft in the middle, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

Q6: Can I make these cookies without pecans?

A6: Definitely! You can omit the pecans altogether or substitute with other mix-ins, like chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Q7: Can I add more vanilla extract?

A7: Yes, you can add a little extra vanilla if you’d like. It will enhance the flavor and aroma of the cookies.

Q8: How can I make these cookies softer?

A8: If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for a minute or two less than the recommended time. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so taking them out of the oven a little earlier will give you a softer texture.

Q9: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A9: You can use margarine, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Butter is really the key to that rich, buttery taste.

Q10: How do I store leftover cookies?

A10: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.

Conclusion

These Butter Pecan Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich, buttery, and nutty flavors. They’re simple to make, perfectly chewy, and will quickly become a favorite in your cookie rotation. Whether you’re baking for yourself, sharing with loved ones, or gifting them to someone special, these cookies are sure to bring a little extra sweetness to your day. Happy baking! 🍪

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