Butter Pecan Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter Pecan Cookies are rich, buttery treats loaded with toasted pecans and a hint of vanilla. These cookies offer a crisp edge with a soft, chewy center, making them perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to everyday indulgence. Their warm, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a timeless classic.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

unsalted butterbrown sugarsugareggsvanilla extractall-purpose flourbaking soda cornstarchsalttoasted chopped pecans

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans until fragrant, then set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in the toasted pecans.

Scoop the dough into rounded balls and place on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly underbaked.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty touch.
Mix in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Use browned butter for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Add a dash of cinnamon for a warm spice note.

storage/reheating

Store Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 8-10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly to balance the flavor.

Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances the nutty flavor, but you can skip it in a pinch.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours or freeze it for longer storage.

Why are my cookies too flat?
Make sure the butter isn’t overly soft or melted when mixing.

Can I use pecan halves instead of chopped pecans?
Chop them for even distribution and easier cookie shaping.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Are these cookies too sweet?
They’re perfectly balanced with a rich, nutty flavor and moderate sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales well for large batches.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely—kids love the buttery texture and crunchy nuts.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, they freeze beautifully and retain their flavor and texture after thawing.

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Cookies are a delicious blend of buttery richness and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for cozy evenings or sharing with loved ones. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a staple in your homemade cookie collection.

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