There is something absolutely magical about these buttery, nutty delights, and that magic comes alive in this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe. These cookies get their charm from the perfect balance of rich, creamy butter, toasted pecans, and a cozy brown sugar sweetness, making every bite melt softly with a crisp, inviting edge. Whether you’re looking for a warm snack during the chilly months or a charming addition to your holiday cookie tray, these buttery gems are irresistibly quick to make and utterly satisfying, inviting you to savor their comforting richness time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients that are pantry staples but pack a powerful punch in flavor and texture. Each element has a role, from the creamy butter that ensures tenderness to the toasted pecans delivering that signature crunch and nutty aroma.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The key to a soft, rich cookie base that melts in your mouth.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds deep, molasses sweetness and moistness that pairs beautifully with pecans.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create those delightfully crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together while providing structure and moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that complements the nuttiness perfectly.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds everything together with just the right chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently for that tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups toasted chopped pecans: The star ingredient providing crunch, aroma, and that unmistakable nutty goodness.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking. This sets the stage for the perfect cookie texture and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a mixer or vigorous hand beating until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This step incorporates air, making the cookies tender and giving them that wonderful buttery flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse depth and warmth into your cookie dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and ensures your cookies have consistent texture and flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined. Over-mixing can toughen the dough, so be gentle to maintain softness.
Step 6: Fold in Toasted Pecans
Now for the best part: gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans. Toasting them beforehand intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch that is essential to this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden hue and the centers are just set, inviting you in with their warm aroma.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time helps maintain their softness in the center and crispness around the edges.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies adds a festive touch without overpowering the buttery pecan flavors. For extra indulgence, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate or caramel atop for a visually stunning and delicious presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of vanilla chai tea, hot chocolate with whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk. The contrast between the warm, nutty cookie and your favorite beverage creates a comforting moment that’s perfect for sharing.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden platter with roasted pecans sprinkled around to emphasize the star ingredient. For gift-giving, stack them in a pretty box tied with a ribbon, or nestle them among fresh holiday greenery for a charming, edible centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy softness and crisp edges for up to 5 days. Layer parchment paper between batches to prevent sticking and keep that perfect texture intact.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe treats for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy, and they’ll taste fresh and delightful.
Reheating
To freshen up your cookies after storage or freezing, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will revive their fresh-baked aroma and restore that soft, buttery texture you love.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts in this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives, offering a different but equally delightful crunch and flavor. Just be sure to toast them to enhance their nuttiness.
What makes the edges crisp and the center soft in these cookies?
The combination of brown and granulated sugars, along with creaming the butter and sugars well, helps create that classic texture. Baking at 350°F for just the right time ensures the edges crisp up while the center remains tender.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans first?
Toasting isn’t mandatory, but it makes a noticeable difference. It deepens the nuts’ flavor and adds a lovely crunch that complements the buttery dough perfectly, making each bite more flavorful.
Can I add cinnamon or spices to the Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warm flavor profile. Just add the spices along with the dry ingredients to infuse that extra cozy note.
How long can I keep the cookie dough before baking?
You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Chilling the dough often improves flavor and texture, helping the cookies hold their shape when baked.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this wonderful Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe at your fingertips, I promise you’ll find every bite as comforting as a warm hug. Easy to whip up with everyday ingredients but so full of cozy, nutty flavor, these cookies are a perfect staple for your baking repertoire. Dive in and enjoy sharing the buttery goodness with friends and family—you’re sure to make sweet memories with every batch!
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These rich and buttery pecan cookies are soft in the center with crisp edges, filled with toasted pecans and brown sugar flavor. Perfect for holiday trays or an everyday treat, they’re quick to prepare and deliver that warm, nutty sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth mixture to provide the cookie’s rich texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse aroma and depth of flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, evenly distributing the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent nutty bites.
- Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, preserving their texture and flavor.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough or use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
