Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a cookie that brings together buttery richness, brown sugar sweetness, and the comforting crunch of toasted nuts, these Butter Pecan Cookies are a total revelation. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a harmony of flavors and textures that’s just begging to be enjoyed with friends or savored alongside a warm beverage. You’ll never want store-bought after making these at home—they’re irresistibly delicious and definitely deserve a spot in your regular baking rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Butter Pecan Cookies is refreshingly short, yet each one is crucial to achieve that signature flavor and dreamy, chewy center. Let’s break down why you’ll need each component and how it makes these cookies shine.

• Unsalted Butter: This is the backbone of the cookie, lending rich flavor and a tender crumb. Make sure it’s softened so it creams beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, toasty sweetness and gives every cookie a soft, chewy texture thanks to its moisture content.
• Granulated Sugar: Offers that classic, crisp edge and balances the intensity of the brown sugar.
• Large Egg: Binds the dough together for structure and moisture, keeping everything just the right amount of soft.
• Vanilla Extract: Amps up the cookie’s aroma and rounds out the warm flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure so your cookies hold their irresistible pillow shape.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies spread just enough and puff up in the oven.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the toasted pecan notes.
• Pecans: The headliner! Chopped pecans add buttery crunch and subtle, earthy undertones.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Before you break out the mixing bowls, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures you’re hitting the sweet spot where the cookies bake evenly and achieve those golden, crisp edges. Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—it’ll make removing the cookies a breeze and save you from scrubbing stuck-on sugar later!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whip them together with gusto until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this aerates the dough and sets the stage for the perfect texture. Once creamed, mix in the egg and vanilla extract, blending until everything is silky and unified.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This little step ensures your leavener and salt are evenly distributed, so your Butter Pecan Cookies bake up with consistent flavor and rise. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until you don’t see any more streaks of flour—stop as soon as it comes together to avoid tough cookies!

Step 4: Fold in Pecans

Pour in the chopped pecans and gently fold them into the dough using a spatula. You want a good distribution in every cookie, but don’t overmix! Each mouthful should deliver a delightful pocket of toasted nutty flavor.

Step 5: Shape and Space

Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each for a little spreading. No rolling or chilling required—the dough is ready to go as is for speedy baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye: you want the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers remain pillowy soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for just a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait!).

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

Garnishes

If you want to dress up your Butter Pecan Cookies, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a trendy sweet-salty flair. Or, drizzle them with a bit of melted white chocolate to add an elegant finish that looks bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve your fresh cookies with a glass of cold milk or a steamy mug of coffee—they’re fantastic with anything creamy. For a more decadent dessert plate, pair the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream and a swirl of caramel sauce for a show-stopping treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack these beauties high on a tiered stand at tea time, box them up in parchment for a picnic, or tie a ribbon around a stack for a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, consider making sandwich cookies by spreading a little maple or vanilla frosting between two Butter Pecan Cookies. The possibilities are endless and oh-so-fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Butter Pecan Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days—just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

Butter Pecan Cookies are freezer-friendly! Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls—simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time for fresh cookies anytime the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that “just-baked” magic, warm leftover cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-4 minutes or pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. This brings back some of the chewiness and makes the pecans extra aromatic.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Absolutely! If you use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon. This way, your Butter Pecan Cookies won’t end up too salty but will still deliver that crave-worthy flavor.

How do I toast pecans for even more flavor?

To bump up the nutty taste, spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 6-8 minutes, stirring once. Let them cool before mixing into the dough for an irresistible aroma and crunch.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Your Butter Pecan Cookies will still turn out beautifully chewy and packed with flavor.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

If you notice your dough is very soft, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up, resulting in thicker, chewier Butter Pecan Cookies.

Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Of course! A handful of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips goes wonderfully with the pecans for a delicious twist. Just fold them in with the pecans and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bite into your first batch of these Butter Pecan Cookies—homemade always tastes best, and there’s something magical about sharing them warm from the oven. Whether you keep them all to yourself or gift a few to friends, this recipe is bound to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking!

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