Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Butter Pecan Cookies blend the rich, creamy flavor of butter with the nutty crunch of pecans, creating a classic treat that’s both comforting and irresistible. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a beloved snack or dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Step 3: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft cookie dough forms.
5. Step 5: Stir in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough.
6. Step 6: Scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space for spreading.
7. Step 7: Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about one hour to enhance the flavors.
8. Step 8: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled dough for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers remain soft.
9. Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use softened butter to help create a smooth, creamy dough.
• Toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Avoid overmixing the dough to keep the cookies tender.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel for extra warmth and indulgence.
• Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if preferred.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness. To reheat, warm them briefly in a microwave or oven until soft and fragrant.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! Freeze the dough balls in a sealed container or bag, then thaw them in the fridge before baking as usual.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x

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Description

This Butter Pecan Cookies recipe delivers a deliciously soft and buttery cookie with the perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor from toasted pecans. Ideal for cookie lovers seeking a luxurious, homemade treat with a tender crumb and rich aroma.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

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Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
2. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and homogenous mixture.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl to remove any lumps and evenly distribute the baking soda and salt.
4. Fold Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing gently just until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
5. Add Pecans: Fold in the toasted, chopped pecans evenly throughout the dough for that signature nutty crunch.
6. Shape and Chill Dough: Scoop the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor and improve texture.
7. Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookie dough balls for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft to the touch.
8. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and allows residual heat to finish baking the centers.

Notes

• Use softened butter (not melted) to achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
• Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes before chopping to enhance their flavor.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
• For extra indulgence, add a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cookies.
• You can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut.
• The cookie dough can be frozen; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
• If using salted butter, reduce added salt in the recipe to 1/4 teaspoon.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butter Pecan Cookies, homemade cookies, soft cookies, pecan cookie recipe, sweet nutty cookies, baked cookies