Classic Butter Pecan Cookies

If you love the warm, nutty aroma of toasted pecans and the rich flavor of butter, these Butter Pecan Cookies are your new favorite treat. Soft, chewy, and filled with crunchy toasted pecans, they bring a cozy bakery-style sweetness right to your kitchen. Perfect for holiday cookie swaps or an everyday indulgence, these cookies taste just as good as they look.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Buttery, soft texture with a crisp edge and nutty crunch
• Simple ingredients and no mixer required
• Perfect for holidays, gifts, or afternoon snacks
• Freezer-friendly dough for easy make-ahead baking
• Toasted pecans bring deep, caramelized flavor

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped toasted pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Toast pecans: Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
3. Cream butter and sugars until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients in another bowl, flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients.
5. Fold in toasted pecans evenly. Chill dough for 30 minutes for best texture.
6. Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Cool on pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Variations

• Brown butter option: Brown the butter first for a deeper nutty flavor.
• Add-ins: Try white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Make-ahead: Freeze dough balls and bake fresh whenever you need cookies.
• Soft centers: Slightly underbake for chewy centers and crisp edges.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate dough: Chill up to 3 days before baking.
• Freeze unbaked dough: Store dough balls up to 3 months; bake straight from frozen.
• Freeze baked cookies: Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk.
• Serve with vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for dessert.
• Add to holiday cookie boxes or gift jars.
• Pair with caramel drizzle for an extra treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cookies flat?

Flat cookies may come from overly soft butter or warm dough. Chill the dough before baking to help them hold shape.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce added salt by half to balance the flavor.

How do I toast pecans properly?

Bake at 350°F for 6–8 minutes or toast in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring often.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Absolutely! Just adjust baking time, smaller cookies bake in 8–9 minutes, larger in 12–14 minutes.

Ready to Make It?

These Butter Pecan Cookies combine buttery sweetness and crunchy pecans for a truly irresistible bite. Perfectly soft, nutty, and cozy, they’re everything a homemade cookie should be.

You Might Also Like

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• Coconut Cream Pie – Light, fluffy, and full of tropical flavor

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