If you’re searching for a cookie that strikes the perfect balance between rich, buttery sweetness and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts, this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies are tender, flavorful, and have a warm, nutty depth that makes them absolutely irresistible. Every bite delivers a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience, with the buttery dough playing harmoniously with the roasted pecans to create a timeless treat that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up these delightful Butter Pecan Cookies. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s building the cookie’s tender crumb, providing that nutty richness, or bringing subtle sweetness and aroma to the final creation.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides the rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds crisp sweetness and helps with browning for those golden edges.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Brings moisture and a mild caramel note that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure without weighing them down.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A gentle leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and tender.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors while keeping things balanced.
- 1 cup toasted pecans (chopped): Adds that iconic buttery crunch and nutty aroma essential to these cookies.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warmth and sweetness, making every bite feel special.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies that won’t stick or burn on the bottom.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which lends a lovely texture to your cookies.
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully blended into the buttery-sugar mixture. That little splash of vanilla will elevate your cookies from simple to simply irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping your cookies tender.
Step 5: Fold in Toasted Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans, making sure every bite will have a wonderful nutty crunch without breaking the dough’s delicate texture.
Step 6: Portion the Dough
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart so the cookies have room to spread evenly.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely for lightly golden edges while keeping the centers soft. After baking, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this step ensures they set up perfectly before you dive in.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted pecans or a light pinch of flaky sea salt on top just after baking. This subtle touch uplifts the buttery crunch and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Butter pecan cookies pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee or tea. The warm, nutty notes of the cookie complement creamy or bold flavors perfectly for a cozy snack or dessert break.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try sandwiching these cookies with a dollop of caramel or brown butter frosting in the middle. You can also dip half of each cookie in melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant twist that’ll impress every guest at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Butter Pecan Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for unexpected guests or weekday indulgences.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough or the baked cookies themselves. For dough, scoop onto parchment-lined trays, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. For baked cookies, wrap them tightly and freeze similarly. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To refresh the warmth and softness of these cookies, pop them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. This will bring back that freshly baked feeling, making them even more irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute butter with margarine in this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe?
While margarine can technically be used, it won’t provide the same rich flavor and tender texture that real butter gives. For best results, stick to unsalted butter to capture that classic buttery taste.
How do I toast pecans for the recipe?
Simply spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor perfectly for the cookies.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but be mindful to reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid the cookies becoming too salty. Unsalted butter is preferred to have better control over the seasoning.
My cookies spread too much while baking. What can I do?
Make sure your butter is not too soft or melted when mixing. Also, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.
Can I replace pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes, and each will bring its own unique flavor and crunch. Just toast them lightly before folding into the dough for optimal taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way Butter Pecan Cookies bring together buttery richness and the toasty bite of pecans in every bite. I can’t recommend this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe enough if you want a reliable, homemade treat that feels cozy and indulgent all at once. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie to bake again and again!
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
Description
Delight in the rich, buttery flavor of classic Butter Pecan Cookies featuring toasted pecans and a tender, soft center. These homemade cookies are perfectly balanced with the sweetness of brown and granulated sugars, finished with a hint of vanilla, making them an irresistible treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter Pecan Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup toasted pecans (chopped)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes using a mixer.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly until fully incorporated into the creamed mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted and chopped pecans to evenly distribute them through the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving to ensure perfect texture.
Notes
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- For a softer cookie, do not overbake; remove as soon as the edges turn golden.
- Room temperature butter is crucial for achieving the ideal dough consistency.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
