If you have a soft spot for warm, nutty, and buttery treats, you are in for an absolute delight with this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe. These cookies boast a rich, buttery flavor combined with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, creating an irresistible texture and aroma that fills your kitchen with nostalgic goodness. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookies offer a comforting sweetness and a hint of cinnamon that makes every bite simply unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe, it might just become your go-to homemade treat for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples that come together to create a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role: butter brings richness, sugars add sweetness and chewiness, while pecans and cinnamon provide crunch and warm spice notes.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly: This adds the luscious buttery base that makes these cookies delightfully soft and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: For a crisp texture and balance of sweetness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes that complement the pecans beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder, bringing everything together to create the perfect dough consistency.
- 5 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely, aromatic warmth that lifts the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 5 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder: A touch of spice that really wakes up the flavor in the pecans.
- 1 tsp cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and tender on the inside.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Provides just enough leavening for a perfect, light texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Supports gentle rise without overpowering the flavor.
- 5 cups roughly chopped pecans (toasted if preferred): The star crunch element that delivers buttery nuttiness with every bite.
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional): Adds an irresistible caramel sweetness and extra texture if you want to get fancy.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Space
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Setting the stage properly always leads to the best baking results.
Step 2: Cream Together the Sugars and Butter
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, which usually takes a few minutes. This step is critical as it helps develop the cookie’s tender crumb and deep caramel flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Next, beat in the eggs along with the vanilla extract until everything is beautifully combined. The eggs will provide structure, while the vanilla boosts all the other flavors to new heights.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to gradually sift in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix — you want the cookies tender, not tough.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans and Toffee Bits
Gently fold in the toasted pecans and, if you’re feeling indulgent, the toffee bits. The pecans bring that signature buttery crunch, and the toffee bits give little bursts of caramel sweetness.
Step 6: Chill the Dough for Easy Handling
Pop your cookie dough into the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes. This step is a game-changer because it firms up the dough, making it much easier to shape into perfect little cookies that won’t spread too much while baking.
Step 7: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the chilled dough into balls — and if you want an extra touch of sparkle and crunch, roll them in a bit of granulated sugar before placing them on your prepared baking tray. Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers set just right. Let them cool on the tray to finish baking and solidify their perfect texture.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over freshly baked Butter Pecan Cookies brings out even more depth in their buttery sweetness. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate or caramel sauce for an elegant look and decadent flavor boost.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a fantastic companion to a steaming cup of coffee or tea, which balances their sweetness beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a nostalgic dessert that everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh pecan halves, small bowls of toffee bits, and cinnamon sticks for a charming display. For gift-giving, package them in a decorative tin with a handwritten note for a heartfelt homemade surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously fresh for about a week, maintaining their lovely chewiness and crunch.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container. When properly stored, they keep well for up to three months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm and fresh again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This warms the butter inside, making them taste like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use raw pecans instead of toasted ones?
Absolutely! Toasting pecans enhances their natural flavor and crunch, but raw pecans will still provide delicious nuttiness if you prefer to skip that step.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling helps control spreading and makes the dough easier to handle, so while it’s not mandatory, it definitely improves the shape and texture of your cookies.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is essential for the rich flavor and texture in this recipe, so substitutions will change the taste and consistency. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing before baking?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls on a tray, then store them in a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I add other mix-ins to the Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or different nuts. Just be mindful of the overall dough consistency and baking time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade Butter Pecan Cookies that brings joy with every bite. This recipe captures that perfect balance of buttery richness, cinnamon warmth, and nutty crunch, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the rich and buttery goodness of these classic Butter Pecan Cookies, featuring toasted pecans and optional toffee bits for an extra sweet crunch. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and light vanilla, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser and great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Add-ins
- 5 cups roughly chopped pecans (toasted if preferred)
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, beating until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently to combine, taking care not to overmix, which could toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Pecans and Toffee Bits: Gently fold the toasted pecans and optional toffee bits into the dough for that signature crunch and flavor.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 to 45 minutes. This step firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into balls. For extra texture and sweetness, optionally roll the balls in granulated sugar before placing them spaced out on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool directly on the baking tray. If necessary, gently press the centers to flatten them slightly while still warm.
- Enjoy: Serve your delicious Butter Pecan Cookies as a delightful treat with tea, coffee, or milk.
Notes
- For best flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the dough.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
- Rolling cookies in granulated sugar adds a nice crunchy exterior but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for maximum freshness.
- Toffee bits are optional but provide a delightful caramel taste that complements the pecans.
