Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Butter Pecan Cookies are truly a crowd-pleaser. The buttery dough is complemented by the toasty, nutty flavor of the pecans, creating a warm and comforting treat. Not only are they easy to make, but they also bake up into perfectly golden, crispy-edged cookies with a soft, chewy center. Plus, the pecans add a delightful crunch and flavor profile that’s perfect for those who love nuts in their baked goods.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

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

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

6. Gently fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are just set.

9. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Bake time: 10-12 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.

2. Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Substitute the vanilla extract with maple extract for a sweet maple flavor.

3. Cinnamon Butter Pecan Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.

4. Oatmeal Butter Pecan Cookies: Mix in 1 cup of rolled oats for added texture and a chewy bite.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer them to stay fresh longer, you can freeze them.

• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until soft.

FAQs

How do I toast the pecans for this recipe?

To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and slightly browned. You can also toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe, but if you only have salted butter, you can use it. Just be sure to omit or reduce the added salt in the recipe.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To prevent cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and prevents excessive spreading.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Just make sure to chop them finely and toast them before adding to the dough.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different. For a closer match, you can mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

How can I tell when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers look set. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping the dough into balls.

How can I make my cookies softer?

For softer cookies, be sure not to overbake them. Pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges turn golden, even if the centers are slightly underdone.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes, you can use an egg replacer or flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to make these cookies egg-free.

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Cookies are a simple yet indulgent treat that combines the rich flavor of butter with the nuttiness of toasted pecans. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to prepare and will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them as a comforting snack or share them with friends and family, they’re sure to impress with their deliciously buttery texture and nutty crunch.