Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Experience the delightful blend of rich buttery goodness and crunchy pecans in these irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat for yourself. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Clara Jennings

Created by

Clara Jennings

Last updated on 2025-12-01T10:00:01.860Z

These cookies have a rich history in American baking, often associated with the comforting warmth of home and family gatherings.

The Perfect Treat for Any Occasion

Butter Pecan Cookies are more than just a delicious dessert; they are the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering, celebrating a special event, or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home, these cookies can elevate the moment. The delightful combination of buttery richness and nutty pecans creates a comforting nostalgia that resonates with everyone. Serve them warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee, and watch smiles blossom around the room.

Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can adapt them to fit seasonal themes, like adding a sprinkle of cinnamon during the fall or a touch of maple syrup for a winter vibe. Their appealing texture and flavor profile mean they pair wonderfully with various toppings or serve as a base for creative desserts, such as ice cream sandwiches.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your Butter Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly every time, there are a few baking tips to keep in mind. Firstly, using room-temperature butter allows for better incorporation with sugars, resulting in a lighter texture. If you forget to take your butter out beforehand, you can cut it into small chunks and microwave it briefly (10-15 seconds at a time) to soften it without melting it.

Additionally, be mindful of measuring your ingredients accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife; this helps prevent overly dense cookies. Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time, as ovens can vary. A perfectly baked cookie should have golden edges and a slightly soft center for the ultimate chewiness.

Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies

To maintain the freshness of your Butter Pecan Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for about a week, but we doubt they will last that long! If you want to preserve them longer, consider freezing the cookie dough. You can scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready for a cookie fix, simply bake from frozen; just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Eating your cookies is a delightful experience, but why not take it a step further? Try warming them in the microwave for a few seconds and serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. This indulgent twist will impress anyone and make for a memorable dessert.

Ingredients

Butter Pecan Cookies Ingredients

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

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Bake the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

Cool and Enjoy

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

Enjoy your delicious cookies with a glass of milk or coffee!

All About Pecans

Pecans are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Rich in healthy fats, they are an excellent source of antioxidants and can contribute positively to heart health. Incorporating pecans into your diet can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and provide essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. The nutty flavor of pecans perfectly complements the buttery base in these cookies, adding a delightful crunch that elevates the overall taste.

Additionally, pecans are incredibly versatile. You can use them in various recipes, from salads to pies, making them a staple in any kitchen. Toasting the pecans before adding them to your cookie dough enhances their flavor, bringing out their natural oils and giving your cookies an aromatic boost.

Why Homemade Cookies Are Better

Making cookies from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Unlike store-bought cookies, homemade versions like these Butter Pecan Cookies do not contain preservatives or artificial additives. Baking at home also provides the opportunity to experiment with different variations, such as adjusting the sweetness or adding mix-ins like chocolate chips.

Moreover, the act of baking can be therapeutic and brings joy to your kitchen. The warm, inviting aroma of cookies baking fills the air, creating a cozy atmosphere that is hard to replicate. Sharing baked goods with loved ones fosters cherished memories and connects people, making them not just a treat, but a meaningful experience.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut?

Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes for pecans.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies

Experience the delightful blend of rich buttery goodness and crunchy pecans in these irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies. Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat for yourself. Easy to make and impossible to resist, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Clara Jennings

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Butter Pecan Cookies Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 cup chopped pecans

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 03

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 04

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Step 06

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

Step 07

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

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 2g