Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter Pecan Cookies combine the rich, creamy flavor of butter with the sweet crunch of toasted pecans. These cookies are buttery, tender, and full of nutty goodness—perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying with a cozy cup of coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅔ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large 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.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft cookie dough forms.
5. Step 5: Stir in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow for spreading.
7. Step 7: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to enhance the flavors and texture.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden while the centers remain soft.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use softened butter to ensure a smooth and creamy dough texture.
• Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to bring out their nutty flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
• For a warm twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with caramel after baking.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, warm cookies briefly in a low oven or microwave until just soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for unsalted butter to control salt levels, you can use salted butter if you reduce or omit the additional salt in the ingredients.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, the cookie dough freezes well. Freeze dough balls on a tray, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 110 reviews

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

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Description

Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful baked treat combining creamy, softened butter, caramelized sugars, and the rich, nutty flavor of chopped pecans. These cookies have a perfect balance of soft centers with golden edges and a buttery aroma that fills your kitchen, making them an irresistible indulgence perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1 cup chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, creating a smooth, creamy base.
2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Pecans: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, cohesive cookie dough forms. Carefully fold in the chopped pecans to evenly distribute the nutty flavor throughout the dough.
3. Shape and Chill the Dough: Scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each for spreading during baking. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for about an hour to firm up and develop flavors.
4. Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookie dough balls in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden while the centers remain slightly soft. This produces tender cookies with the ideal texture.
5. Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet to firm up. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Notes

• Use softened unsalted butter for better control of salt content and smooth texture.
• To enhance pecan flavor, toast them lightly before chopping.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
• You can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.
• The cookie dough can be frozen for later use; thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
• Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle caramel on top for added indulgence.

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

Keywords: butter pecan cookies, homemade cookies, pecan cookies, soft cookies, baking dessert, nutty cookies, holiday cookies