Dreamy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: Sweet Golden Treasures

Buttery, golden cookies with pecan pieces sprinkled throughout the butter pecan cookies create an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.

Warm from the oven, these delicate morsels bring comfort and sweetness to any gathering.

Pecans add a delightful crunch and rich, nutty flavor that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers.

The aroma of toasted pecans and sweet butter will draw everyone to the kitchen.

Baking these cookies is a delicious way to spread joy and create memorable moments.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of this classic Southern-inspired dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 199 kcal

Servings: 24

Butter Pecan Cookie Ingredient List

• Pecans: Select fresh, whole pecans with a rich golden color and no signs of rancidity or discoloration, which intensify their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch when toasted.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for the cookie's structure and ensures a tender, delicate texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and helps create a melt-in-your-mouth texture with golden brown edges.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and contribute to the cookies' soft, chewy texture with caramel-like undertones.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, complementing the toasted pecans' natural nuttiness.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure and richness to the cookie dough.

Tools to Help You Bake Butter Pecan Cookies

• Baking sheet: Essential for toasting pecans evenly and creating a delicious nutty aroma.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect cookie texture and flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Where all ingredients come together for a delightful cookie dough.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar smoothly, creating a light and fluffy base.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for folding in toasted pecans and mixing dough gently.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: Creates uniform cookie sizes for consistent baking.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.

Get Those Butter Pecan Cookies in the Oven

• Warm Up the Nuts

Toast chopped pecans in the oven at 350F until they release a rich, nutty aroma. Let them cool completely while their delicious fragrance fills your kitchen.

• Mix the

Cream together softened butter and sugars until the mixture becomes fluffy and light. The golden butter will transform into a silky cloud that promises delectable cookies.

• Build Your Cookie Base

Fold in flour, salt, and vanilla into the butter mixture. Gently stir until everything blends smoothly, creating a soft, promising dough that hints at the sweet treat to come.

• Welcome the Pecans

Fold the cooled, toasted pecans into the cookie dough. Each nut will add a delightful crunch and rich flavor that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Shape and Chill

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Pop the sheet into the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their perfect shape.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the chilled cookie dough in a 350F oven and bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible buttery, nutty scent.

• Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. These buttery, pecan-packed treats are ready to melt in your mouth.

Ideas That Add More Crunch and Toastiness

• Toasting pecans before adding them to the cookie dough intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch, making each bite more memorable.
• Prepare the cookie dough in advance and freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking for fresh, homemade cookies anytime.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising taste or texture.
• For an extra layer of rich, nutty flavor, brown the butter before mixing it into the dough. This simple step elevates the cookies from good to absolutely incredible.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies or sprinkle with sea salt to add a gourmet touch that will impress family and friends.

Serve Butter Pecan Cookies with Warmth

• Cozy Cookie Platter: Arrange the butter pecan cookies on a rustic wooden board with a small dish of extra toasted pecans for guests to sprinkle on top.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee to complement the rich, nutty flavor of the cookies.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies between parchment paper in a clear mason jar tied with a burlap ribbon for a charming homemade gift that showcases the golden-brown treats.
• Festive Presentation Touch: Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar just before serving to add a delicate, elegant finish that makes them look bakery-fresh and irresistible.

Keep Butter Pecan Cookies Fresh for Days

• Store these delectable cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days at cool temperatures.
• Prepare cookie dough balls and freeze them uncooked for future baking adventures. Freeze up to 3 months, then bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 minutes to original baking time.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at ambient room temperature for quick snacking. The buttery pecan flavor remains rich and inviting for 3-4 days.
• Divide cookies into small batches before storing to maintain maximum freshness. This strategy allows you to thaw or serve exactly what you need without compromising the entire batch's quality.

FAQs

• Why should I toast the pecans before adding them to the cookie dough?

Toasting pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor and creates a deeper, richer taste. It also helps release their oils, making them more aromatic and crunchy in the final cookie.

• Can I use pre-chopped pecans from the store?

While store-bought chopped pecans work, whole pecans that you chop and toast yourself will provide a fresher, more intense flavor. Toasting them yourself gives you more control over the depth of flavor and ensures maximum crunchiness.

• What if I accidentally burn the pecans while toasting?

If the pecans smell burnt or look dark brown, discard them and start over. Burned pecans will add a bitter taste to your cookies. Watch them carefully and stir occasionally during toasting to ensure even browning.

• Do I need any special equipment to toast pecans?

No special equipment is needed. A standard baking sheet and your oven are sufficient. Just spread the pecans in a single layer and keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Heavenly Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Classic butter pecan cookies blend Southern charm with nutty richness, creating irresistible treats. Crisp edges and golden brown perfection invite bakers to savor sweet, buttery comfort with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (230 g / 8.1 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (315 g / 11.1 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Pecan Preparation: Toast chopped pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 350F (175C) oven, stirring midway through 6-7 minutes to achieve a golden, fragrant transformation.
2. Cooling Phase: Allow roasted pecans to rest on the baking sheet, enabling their rich, nutty essence to fully develop and intensify.
3. Dough Crafting: Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then incorporate vanilla extract and gradually mix in flour, salt, and ground cinnamon to create a cohesive, smooth cookie base.
4. Pecan Integration: Gently fold the cooled, toasted pecans into the prepared dough, ensuring even distribution of the nutty elements throughout the mixture.
5. Shaping Process: Scoop uniform dough portions onto a fresh parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving adequate space between each cookie to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
6. Baking Technique: Return the cookie-laden sheet to the 350F (175C) oven, baking for 12-14 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and textural development.

Notes

Toast Pecans with Precision: Spread nuts in a single, even layer to ensure uniform roasting and prevent burning, which can create bitter flavors.

Control Oven Heat Carefully: Use middle rack placement and exact 350F temperature to achieve golden-brown pecans without scorching, maintaining their delicate nutty essence.

Stir During Roasting: Gently mix pecans halfway through toasting to promote even color development and prevent potential hot spots that cause uneven browning.

Cool Pecans Completely: Allow toasted pecans to rest on baking sheet until fully cooled, letting residual heat continue subtle flavor development and preventing moisture in cookie dough.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg