Butter Pecan Cookies

There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of toasty pecans mingling with rich, golden butter. These Butter Pecan Cookies are the embodiment of that warmth. Crisp at the edges, chewy at the center, and packed with nutty flavor, each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and earthiness. Whether paired with a warm mug of tea or sneaked straight from the cookie jar, they’re pure comfort in cookie form.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe comes from a place of pure nostalgia. I remember cold autumn days when my grandmother would toast pecans in the oven, filling the house with a buttery perfume that lingered for hours. Those toasty nuts would soon be folded into cookie dough, scooped onto sheets, and baked to golden perfection. Butter Pecan Cookies were a family favorite, and now they’re my secret weapon for winning hearts.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pecans are native to North America, and their rich, buttery flavor has been cherished in Southern cooking for generations. Butter pecan ice cream, the inspiration behind these cookies, became wildly popular in the 20th century, known for its luxurious flavor. Transforming this ice cream flavor into a cookie? A natural evolution that brings the same indulgence with a satisfying chew.

Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Cookies

Once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they’ve earned a spot in my regular baking rotation:

Versatile: Ideal for holidays, tea time, gifting, or weekday snacking.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients, no fancy extras.
Quick and Easy: Mix, scoop, bake—done in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Add white chocolate chips, spices, or brown butter.
Crowd-Pleasing: They disappear fast from any cookie tray.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough stores well for impromptu cravings.
Great for Leftovers: Stays delicious for days when stored properly.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few tricks can make a good cookie truly unforgettable. Here’s how to take yours to the next level:

1. Toast the pecans first to intensify their nutty flavor.
2. Use room temperature butter for even creaming and perfect texture.
3. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you want thicker, chewier cookies.
4. Slightly underbake for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
5. Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt before baking to elevate every bite.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully low-effort, but a few tools make it even easier:

Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients.
Hand or Stand Mixer: For creaming butter and sugars until fluffy.
Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment for perfect golden bottoms.
Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform size for even baking.
Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool without getting soggy.

Ingredients in Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are all about balance—rich, nutty, buttery, and sweet. Here’s what goes into them:

1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) – The flavor base and key to tender texture.
2. Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed) – Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
3. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup – Lends crispness and structure.
4. Eggs: 2 large – Bind everything together and add richness.
5. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Enhances the buttery base.
6. All-Purpose Flour: 2½ cups – The foundation for structure.
7. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Gives the cookies a gentle lift.
8. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
9. Pecans: 1½ cups, chopped and toasted – The star of the show, adding crunch and warmth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to switch it up? Here are some handy swaps:

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar or maple sugar.
All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-free blend with xanthan gum.
Pecans: Walnuts or hazelnuts for a different twist.
Unsalted Butter: Plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Ingredient Spotlight

Pecans: Native to the American South, pecans bring a naturally sweet, buttery flavor and delightful crunch when toasted.

Brown Sugar: The molasses content in brown sugar makes the cookies extra chewy and gives them their signature warm hue.

Instructions for Making Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies come together quickly and easily. Here’s how to whip up a batch of warm, toasty goodness:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Fold in toasted pecans. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are just set.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Cool cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm with a glass of milk or a hot coffee—and try not to eat them all in one sitting!

Texture & Flavor Secrets

Butter Pecan Cookies boast a golden crisp edge that gives way to a soft, tender center. Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the rich buttery base and caramel notes from brown sugar create a deep, comforting flavor profile that lingers long after the last crumb.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few friendly pointers for buttery success:

• Chill the dough for chewier cookies.
• Toast pecans in advance to boost flavor.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for cozy warmth.
• Swap half the butter for browned butter for nutty depth.

What to Avoid

Don’t let these common missteps ruin your batch:

• Overmixing the dough: leads to tough cookies.
• Overbaking: they firm up as they cool, so pull them when slightly underdone.
• Skipping pecan toasting: reduces that signature nuttiness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 210

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Baked cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze baked cookies for quick sweet-tooth fixes.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

Serve with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of butter pecan ice cream for a dessert-on-dessert moment. For gatherings, pair them on a platter with chocolate and oatmeal cookies for variety.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Try one of these cozy reinventions:

• Crumble over yogurt or oatmeal.
• Sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting.
• Use as a crust for mini cheesecakes.

Additional Tips

• Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for contrast.
• Use a mix of chopped and halved pecans for texture variety.
• Let butter soften naturally—no microwaving!

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters! Here’s how to make your cookies bakery-worthy:

• Drizzle with white chocolate for elegance.
• Stack and tie with twine for gifting.
• Serve on a rustic wooden board for cozy vibes.

Variations to Try

• White Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle with maple icing for extra indulgence.
• Spiced Pecan: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Brown Butter Version: Replace regular butter with browned butter for rich depth.
• Gluten-Free: Use a GF flour blend and check labels on pecans.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! Scoop onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen with 1–2 extra minutes.

Q2: How do I toast pecans?

Spread on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 7–8 minutes, stirring halfway.

Q3: Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce added salt to ¼ teaspoon.

Q4: Are these cookies chewy or crisp?

Both—crispy edges with soft, chewy centers.

Q5: Can I make smaller cookies?

Definitely, just reduce baking time to 8–9 minutes.

Q6: Can I add chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark or white chocolate chips work beautifully.

Q7: How long do they stay fresh?

Up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

Q8: Can I double the batch?

Yes, just be sure to chill the dough in batches if needed.

Q9: Can I make them vegan?

Use vegan butter and flax eggs for a plant-based version.

Q10: What’s the best way to store them?

Room temp in a sealed container or freeze in a zip bag.

Conclusion

Buttery, nutty, and delightfully chewy—Butter Pecan Cookies are a little bite of joy. They’re simple to make, comforting to eat, and hard to resist. So whether you’re baking for a holiday spread or a quiet moment of indulgence, these cookies are sure to warm hearts and satisfy cravings.

Watch How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies