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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
