Butter Pecan Cookies

ByAnna

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Butter Pecan Cookies baking in the oven—rich, nutty, and undeniably cozy. These cookies are golden-edged with crisp, buttery exteriors and chewy, tender centers, packed with toasted pecans that deliver a warm, caramelized crunch in every bite. Perfect with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or simply all on their own, these cookies feel like a warm hug on a cold day.

Behind the Recipe

It all started on a fall afternoon, when I was craving something nostalgic yet indulgent. Inspired by butter pecan ice cream and southern pecan pies, I whipped up a small batch of these cookies, hoping to capture that same cozy flavor. One bite in, I knew they were something special—chewy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. They quickly became a staple in my cookie jar and a holiday favorite among friends and family.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Butter pecan as a flavor has deep southern roots, often tied to ice cream, cakes, and pies. Pecans themselves are native to North America and are a key ingredient in many traditional southern desserts. These cookies take the essence of that rich history—caramelized nuts, deep buttery notes—and wrap it into a portable, snackable treat. They’re especially popular during fall and winter but truly shine all year round.

Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Cookies

If you adore nutty, buttery bakes, this one’s a no-brainer. Here’s why these cookies are irresistible:

Versatile: Ideal for bake sales, gift boxes, or weeknight dessert.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry basics and a handful of pecans.

Quick and Easy: One bowl, no mixer needed.

Customizable: Add chocolate chips, spices, or dried fruit.

Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, chewy, and loved by all ages.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough chills well and freezes beautifully.

Great for Leftovers: Stays fresh and chewy for several days.

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Butter Pecan Cookies

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Buttery, nutty, and delightfully chewy, these Butter Pecan Cookies are packed with toasted pecans and rich brown sugar flavor—perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Pecans, chopped and toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Cream butter and both sugars until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Fold in toasted pecans. Chill dough for 30 minutes if desired.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes until golden at edges.
  6. Finishing Touches: Let cool 5 minutes on tray, then transfer to rack.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy warm or store for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Chill dough to prevent spreading and deepen flavor.
  • Toast pecans for enhanced nuttiness.
  • Underbake slightly for a chewy center.
  • Sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: butter pecan cookies, chewy cookies, nutty cookies, holiday baking, southern dessert

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want cookie perfection? Keep these pro tips in mind:

  1. Toast the Pecans First: Enhances their nutty, caramel flavor.
  2. Use Real Butter: It’s the heart of the flavor—unsalted is best.
  3. Chill the Dough: Just 30 minutes prevents spreading and deepens flavor.
  4. Slight Underbake: Cookies should look just set in the center when pulled out.
  5. Cool on Tray First: They continue to cook slightly as they cool.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need fancy tools—just the baking basics:

Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment for easy release.

Mixing Bowl: For combining all your ingredients.

Whisk and Spatula: For mixing wet and folding dry ingredients.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key for cookies.

Cookie Scoop (optional): Ensures evenly sized cookies.

Ingredients in Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies shine with simple ingredients that come together in delicious harmony.

  1. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Brings rich, buttery depth to every bite.
  2. Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed. Adds moisture and a molasses-like sweetness.
  3. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Helps with spread and a slight crisp edge.
  4. Large Eggs: 2. Binds and enriches the dough.
  5. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons. Enhances the overall flavor.
  6. All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups. Provides structure and chew.
  7. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon. Helps the cookies rise just enough.
  8. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
  9. Pecans: 1 1/2 cups, chopped and toasted. Adds crunch, nuttiness, and character.

ding">Ingredient Substitutions

Here’s how to adapt based on what’s in your pantry:

Unsalted Butter: Salted butter works—just reduce added salt.

Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Maple extract adds a warm twist.

Pecans: Swap with walnuts or hazelnuts.

Flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a GF version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Pecans: Toasted pecans deepen the nutty aroma and add a tender crunch, bringing soul to every cookie.

Brown Sugar:

Provides chewy texture and enhances the butter’s richness with a caramel-like backdrop.

Instructions for Making Butter Pecan Cookies

Let’s get baking! Follow these easy steps to cookie success:

  1. Preheat Your Equipment:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Ingredients:
    In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla until fully combined.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
    In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
  4. Assemble the Dish:
    Fold in chopped, toasted pecans. If time allows, chill dough for 30 minutes.
  5. Cook to Perfection:
    Scoop dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers look just set.
  6. Finishing Touches:
    Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  7. Serve and Enjoy:
    Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or store in an airtight container for lasting freshness.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

These cookies are buttery with crisp edges and soft, chewy middles. The toasted pecans add a sweet nuttiness that balances beautifully against the buttery base and molasses tones from brown sugar. Every bite is slightly crisp, irresistibly tender, and full of flavor.

ding">Cooking Tips & Tricks

Level up your bake with these helpful ideas:

  • Chill the dough for thicker, chewier cookies.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for cozy warmth.
  • For extra crunch, press a pecan half on top before baking.

What to Avoid

Keep your cookies dreamy by skipping these missteps:

  • Overbaking—cookies should look soft in the center when pulled out.
  • Using cold butter—it won’t cream properly.
  • Skipping the parchment—your cookies may stick or spread unevenly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 200

Note: These are

approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus optional chilling)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies are excellent for prepping ahead. Chill dough up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze in pre-scooped balls for fresh-baked treats anytime. Baked cookies stay soft in an airtight container for 5 days. Rewarm briefly in the microwave for a just-baked feel.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

Serve on a rustic plate with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Stack them in clear jars for gift-giving or sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert. They also shine crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal.