Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: A Nutty Delight for Your Taste Buds

Butter pecan cookies are the kind of treat that instantly transports me to my Nonna’s cozy kitchen, where the scent of toasted nuts and warm butter filled the air like a holiday hug. These buttery, nutty delights are a timeless classic—rich, crumbly, and kissed with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a student in a dorm with a tiny oven, these butter pecan cookies are pure comfort in every bite.

What makes butter pecan cookies extra special? The golden, toasty pecans that bring crunch and depth, nestled in a dough that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing, or hoarding with a glass of milk. And if you’re always hunting for a dessert that’s both nostalgic and bakery-worthy, you’ll want this butter pecan cookies recipe in your back pocket. Honestly, few things in life are as satisfying as baking a warm tray of butter pecan cookies and watching them disappear within minutes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups chopped pecans (toasted, if desired)

These are the building blocks for your rich buttery cookies—the kind that taste like they came straight from a Southern bakery.

Preparing the Cookie Dough

Stir in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until the ingredients are well incorporated.

✨ Can I use salted butter? You can, but reduce the added salt slightly. For the best results and full control over the flavor, I always recommend unsalted butter—it’s truly the best butter for baking cookies and brings out the rich, buttery notes in these butter pecan cookies.

Once the wet mixture is smooth, slowly fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix only until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that! The goal is a soft, slightly sticky butter pecan cookie dough that’s ready for pecan magic.

Incorporating the Pecans

Let’s talk pecans—the soul of these nutty cookie wonders. While raw pecans work just fine, toasted pecans are where the magic happens. For the best flavor, toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until they’re golden and fragrant. This simple step deepens their nutty richness and adds a beautiful crunch to your butter pecan cookies.

Gently fold the chopped pecans into the cookie dough, ensuring they’re evenly spread for that perfect buttery-pecan bite in every cookie.

🍪 Tip: Explore our Sweet Treats board for irresistible dessert pins and discover more inspiration for cookies with pecans you’ll want to bake again and again.

Shaping and Chilling the Dough

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Now for a crucial step—chilling. Pop the tray in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the chewy butter pecan cookie texture we all adore.

❄️ Why chill cookie dough before baking? It solidifies the fat, preventing overspreading, and intensifies the flavor.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. Be careful not to overbake—remember, they’ll continue to cook slightly as they rest on the baking sheet.

Let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Aroma of Freshly Baked Cookies

While baking, your kitchen will fill with a heavenly scent of toasted nuts, buttery warmth, and caramelized sugar. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater made of vanilla-scented hugs. Seriously.

These are perfect for your next festive cookie recipe swap or a lazy Sunday treat.

Why This Recipe Works

This easy butter pecan cookie recipe nails the trifecta of flavor, texture, and aroma:

• Butter provides richness and tenderness.
• Toasted pecans add crunch and a nutty twist.
• Balanced sugars give a soft yet chewy bite with just enough crispness on the edge.

It’s a bakery-style butter pecan cookie without the fuss.

Tips for Irresistible Cookies

Here are a few must-know tips to guarantee buttery success:

• Use room-temperature unsalted butter
• Don’t skip the chilling step
• Toast the pecans for a flavor boost
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform size
• Let cookies cool before moving to a rack

Customizing Your Creations

Want to dress up your cookies? Here are some creative variations:

• Add white chocolate chips
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before baking
• Drizzle with caramel for that butter pecan cookies with caramel drizzle vibe
• Try a gluten-free flour blend for a healthy butter pecan cookie alternative
• Add a dash of cinnamon for a fall twist

Conclusion

These butter pecan cookies are the kind of treat that brings people together—whether it’s a cozy holiday gathering or a well-deserved coffee break at home. Rich, nutty, and joyfully nostalgic, butter pecan cookies are guaranteed to become a go-to in your dessert rotation. Bake a batch, share the love, and let the comforting aroma of toasted pecans and butter fill your kitchen.

Craving more goodies? Try this easy fruit cobbler recipe or whip up a soft cherry bread treat. And don’t forget to bookmark this thumbprint cookie idea for your next bake-a-thon.

Happy baking from all of us at kai Recipes! 🍪💛

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