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Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 69 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, evenly distributing the leavening and seasoning.
  5. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent nutty bites.
  7. 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.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
  9. 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.