I am absolutely thrilled to share this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe with you because it combines that unbeatable buttery richness with the toasty crunch of pecans to create a cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite. These cookies are perfectly chewy yet crisp at the edges, boasting a deep caramel flavor that’s both nostalgic and utterly addictive. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering, this recipe promises to deliver deliciousness that no one will want to share. Trust me, once you try these homemade gems, they’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your cookie rotation.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a vital role in building the flavor, texture, and golden color of your Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the toasted pecans that add a fantastic crunch, here’s everything to gather before you start baking.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter helps create that tender, chewy texture crucial to these cookies.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds moisture and imparts a lovely caramel undertone to every bite.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to that golden, slightly crisp edge.
2 large eggs: Eggs act as a binder and bring structure to your cookie dough.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances all the flavors, giving depth and warmth.
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the dough, providing shape and chew.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise just right and stay soft.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
2 cups chopped pecans, toasted: The star nutty crunch that gives these Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe their signature texture and flavor.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your cookies don’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze. Getting the oven ready early helps keep your baking on track without any last-minute rush.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air, which leads to a tender crumb and a bit of that classic chewy texture we all love.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then, mix in the pure vanilla extract to boost the cookie’s warmth and aroma. Take your time here—this is where the flavor layers really start to build.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning, preventing any clumps from forming in your cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle and stop as soon as you see no more flour.

Step 6: Fold in Toasted Pecans

Finally, fold in the chopped toasted pecans, ensuring every bite gets a delightful nutty crunch. Toasting the pecans beforehand intensifies their flavor, making your Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe truly irresistible.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to leave room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are a gorgeous golden brown and the centers have just set. Let the cookies cool briefly on the sheets before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, you can elevate your serving experience by sprinkling a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It cuts through the sweetness effortlessly and enhances the nutty butter flavor to make each bite even more crave-worthy.

Side Dishes

These Butter Pecan Cookies pair wonderfully with a creamy glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich buttery notes complement hot beverages beautifully, making them a perfect afternoon treat or post-dinner indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these cookies at a party or gifting them, try stacking them with wax paper between each cookie in a pretty tin or jar. You can also sandwich them with your favorite vanilla or cinnamon-flavored buttercream for a homemade cookie treat that’s extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to a week—perfect for sneaking in a sweet bite any time.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy these Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe later, freeze the dough balls on a baking sheet before baking, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake fresh from frozen with just a minute or two added to the baking time. Alternatively, you can freeze fully baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm any leftover cookies in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that just-baked softness and enhance the buttery aroma—it feels like they were freshly made all over again!

FAQs

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make great alternatives and will still impart a lovely nutty crunch, though pecans provide that classic buttery flavor unique to this recipe.

How do I keep my cookies soft rather than crispy?

Make sure to not overbake them and consider chilling the dough before baking. Also, storing cookies in an airtight container soon after cooling helps maintain moisture and softness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents for the best texture.

Why toast the pecans before adding them?

Toasting pecans brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, giving your cookies an extra layer of richness and crunch that raw nuts just can’t match.

Is it necessary to use both brown and granulated sugars?

Yes! Brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and adds a caramel note, while granulated sugar helps create a slight crispness around the edges, striking that perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

If you want to treat yourself or someone special to a truly wonderful, buttery, nutty delight, this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together to make cookies that feel lovingly homemade with every bite. Go ahead, bake a batch and spread the joy—these cookies are bound to become one of your favorite sweet traditions.