Description
Delightfully buttery and nutty, these classic Butter Pecan Cookies feature toasted pecans folded into a rich, vanilla-infused dough. Perfectly chewy with golden edges, they’re the ideal treat for holidays or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy, which usually takes 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they incorporate smoothly, then mix in the pure vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Toasted Pecans: Gently fold the chopped toasted pecans into the dough, ensuring an even spread of nuts throughout.
- Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set for that perfect chewy texture.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and slightly browned.
- For extra flavor and better cookie shape, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
