Patrick Simon November 3, 2025

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Butter Pecan Cookies

Name: Butter Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of fresh cookies baking in the oven. Imagine walking into a warmly lit kitchen, the sweet aroma of butter and toasted pecans wafting through the air, inviting you to indulge. Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect treat for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings, offering a delightful crunch paired with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether shared with friends over tea or enjoyed as a late-night snack, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any moment.

Why You’ll Adore Butter Pecan Cookies

These Butter Pecan Cookies are not your ordinary cookie. They’re a delightful blend of rich butter and crunchy pecans, resulting in a cookie that is uniquely satisfying. With a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, they offer an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to cookie lovers everywhere. Here are just a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:

Soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth
Nutty crunch from toasted pecans
Simple ingredients that are easy to find
Quick preparation time, perfect for any occasion

Gathering Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cookies

To make these delicious Butter Pecan Cookies, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. The combination of butter, sugars, and pecans works harmoniously to create cookies that are both chewy and flavorful. If you’re looking to make substitutions, feel free to explore options like using light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor or swapping in chopped walnuts for variety. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cookies

Creating these Butter Pecan Cookies is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. With just a few simple steps, you can have these delightful cookies ready for baking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and hot.
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns a pale yellow.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well combined, with a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the cookies tender.
Fold in the chopped toasted pecans, adding a lovely crunch to your dough.
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; the scent of buttery goodness will hint at their readiness!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~12 minutes, Total ~30 minutes, Servings ~24 cookies, Kcal ~150 per cookie (estimate).

Prepare in Advance

If you’re looking to get a head start on your cookie-baking adventure, there are a few things you can do in advance! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just make sure to wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, scoop the dough onto your baking sheet and proceed as usual. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

Storing and Reheating

To keep your Butter Pecan Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to one week! If you want to save some for later, consider freezing them. Just place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or gently reheat them in the oven for a few minutes until warm.

Perfect Pairings

Wondering what to serve alongside your Butter Pecan Cookies? Here are some delightful ideas to complement their rich flavor:

A warm cup of coffee or tea
Vanilla or pecan ice cream for a decadent treat
Milk, which perfectly balances the sweetness
Fruit preserves or jam for a fresh contrast
Dark chocolate pieces tucked into the cookies for extra indulgence

Variations and Swaps

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun ways to customize your Butter Pecan Cookies:

Swap in other nuts – Try walnuts or almonds for a different crunchy texture.
Add chocolate chips – Incorporate semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
Experiment with spices – A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth.
Make it gluten-free – Use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary needs.
Create stuffed cookies – Take two cookie dough scoops and sandwich a chocolate or caramel square in between before baking for a gooey surprise.

Pro Tips for Best Results

To ensure your Butter Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these handy tips:

Allow your butter to come to room temperature for easier creaming.
For an even texture, scoop and roll your cookie dough using a cookie scoop.
Space the cookies at least two inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for spreading.
If you prefer a thicker cookie, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Look for a light golden edge; this is a sign that your cookies are done, but remain chewy in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the additional salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute light brown sugar with granulated sugar and a little bit of molasses (1 tablespoon per cup of sugar) to get that rich flavor.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure that your chocolate chips or additional ingredients are also dairy-free.
How do I know when the cookies are baked properly?
The edges should be lightly golden, while the center will look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool!
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Simply place them on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Final Thoughts

Butter Pecan Cookies are truly a treasured treat that brings a smile to anyone’s face. With their rich, buttery flavor and delightful pecan crunch, they are perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Easy to make and full of comforting flavors, these cookies are something you’ll want to bake time and time again. Gather your ingredients, embrace the warmth of your kitchen, and indulge in the joy of making Butter Pecan Cookies soon!

Butter Pecan Cookies

Author: patrick
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously soft and chewy Butter Pecan Cookies, featuring a delightful crunch from toasted pecans.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chopped toasted pecans.
Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.