Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, creamy flavor of butter with the nutty crunch of pecans. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a comforting and luxurious snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones until a soft cookie dough forms.
4. Step 4: Stir in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
5. Step 5: Scoop portions of the cookie dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each for spreading.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about an hour to enhance the flavors and texture.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookie dough for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft.
8. Step 8: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use softened butter for a smoother, creamier dough that bakes evenly.
• Toast the pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender and soft.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. Reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level, you can use salted butter by simply reducing or omitting the additional salt in the recipe.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes if you prefer a different flavor or don’t have pecans on hand.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 131 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These Butter Pecan Cookies combine creamy butter, caramelized sugars, and crunchy chopped pecans to create a rich, tender cookie with a delightful nutty flavor. Perfectly golden at the edges with soft centers, they make an irresistible treat for cookie lovers.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Pecans: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft cookie dough forms. Finally, fold in the toasted, chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.
3. Shape and Chill the Dough: Scoop portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them to allow spreading. Cover the sheet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about one hour to firm up the dough and enhance flavors.
4. Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough balls for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the rich aroma and delicious buttery pecan flavor.

Notes

• Use softened unsalted butter for optimal flavor control and texture.
• Toast pecans before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor.
• Do not overmix dough to ensure tender cookies.
• You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
• Salted butter can be used if you reduce added salt accordingly.
• Walnuts or almonds can be substituted for pecans if desired.
• Cookie dough can be frozen; thaw in refrigerator before baking.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for best freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butter Pecan Cookies, pecan cookies, homemade cookies, buttery cookies, nutty cookies, dessert, baking recipe