Introduction
Butter pecan cookies are rich, nutty, buttery cookies made with toasted pecans and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dough. These cookies are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anyone who loves the deep flavor of pecans combined with a classic buttery cookie base.
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Description
These cookies start with toasted pecans to enhance their flavor, then are folded into a buttery dough enhanced with brown sugar for warmth and caramel notes. The result is a soft, chewy cookie with crisp edges and crunchy, flavorful pecans throughout. They store well and taste even better the next day.
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Ingredients
For the Cookies
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
For Toasting the Pecans
1 tablespoon butter (optional but recommended)
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Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Toast the pecans: Add pecans to a skillet with 1 tablespoon butter and toast for 3–4 minutes on medium heat until fragrant. Let cool.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the toasted pecans.
8. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
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Tips
Toasting the pecans is essential; it brings out their natural oils and enhances the flavor.
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming and soft cookies.
Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to avoid toughness.
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Variations
Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon maple extract or substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup.
Brown Butter Version: Brown the butter first, let it cool, and then use in place of regular butter for a deeper, nutty flavor.
Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies: Add 1 cup chocolate chips for a richer treat.
Spiced Pecan Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture.
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Correction
If the cookies spread too much, the dough may be too warm; chill for 30–60 minutes.
If the cookies are too dry, slightly reduce the baking time or ensure you’re not over-packing flour into the measuring cup.
If the cookies taste bland, increase the vanilla or add a pinch more salt to balance sweetness.
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Enjoy
Enjoy these buttery, nutty butter pecan cookies warm or cooled. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or milk and make excellent gifts or dessert table additions.