Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter Pecan Cookies are a classic treat combining rich, buttery dough with crunchy toasted pecans. These soft, flavorful cookies are perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Gradually mix in the sifted flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
6. Step 6: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart.
7. Step 7: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Tips & Variations

• Toast the pecans ahead of time to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added texture.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies that bake consistently.

Storage

Store Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, warm in a low oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting the cookies.

How do I keep the pecans from getting soggy?

Toast the pecans before adding them to the dough and fold them in gently to maintain their crunch after baking.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 121 reviews

Delight in classic Butter Pecan Cookies featuring a buttery, soft texture with a perfect crunch from toasted pecans. These cookies combine the richness of brown sugar and vanilla with a hint of salt to create a nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s properly warmed for baking the cookies.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to evenly distribute flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
5. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the toasted chopped pecans into the dough to ensure even nut distribution without breaking them down too much.
6. Prepare Baking Sheets: Use parchment paper-lined baking sheets and scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto them, keeping enough space between cookies for spreading.
7. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, signaling they are done.
8. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to firm up, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet or oven for enhanced flavor.
• Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to keep cookies tender.
• Spacing cookies apart on the baking sheet helps them bake evenly without sticking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Butter Pecan Cookies, homemade cookies, toasted pecans, classic cookie recipe, easy dessert