These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect treat for pecan lovers! With their rich, buttery flavor and delightful crunch, theyโre a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether youโre baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet snack, these cookies are a must-try.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Rich and buttery flavor: These cookies are a true indulgence, with a base of buttery dough complemented by the nutty richness of pecans.
- Simple to make: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients are needed for these cookies.
- Perfect texture: A balance of crisp edges and a slightly chewy center makes these cookies irresistible.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, gift-giving, or as a daily treat with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat your ovenย to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugarsย together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extractย to the mixture, blending until smooth.
- Combine the dry ingredientsย (flour, baking soda, and salt) in a separate bowl, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Scoop the doughย into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bakeย for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a twist on the classic.
- Spiced Butter Pecan Cookies: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Glazed Cookies: Drizzle with caramel or vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
- Nut Substitutions: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty flavor.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Roll the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
3. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the dough is chilled before baking, and use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
4. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar?
Yes, but the cookies will have a slightly deeper molasses flavor.
5. Whatโs the best way to chop pecans?
Use a sharp knife or a food processor, but avoid over-processing as you want small chunks, not pecan powder.
6. Can I add shredded coconut to these cookies?
Yes, shredded coconut pairs wonderfully with pecans and adds extra texture.
7. Whatโs the ideal baking time for softer cookies?
For a softer texture, bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes and let them cool on the baking sheet.
8. Do I need to toast the pecans beforehand?
Toasting pecans enhances their flavor but is optional for this recipe.
9. Can I make these cookies without an electric mixer?
Yes, you can mix the dough by hand, though it may take longer to achieve the creamy consistency.
10. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Conclusion
Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting taste of buttery dough with the satisfying crunch of pecans. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save them for later, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Print
Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These butter pecan cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with toasted pecans for a nutty crunch in every bite. Perfect for holiday baking or whenever you crave a simple, homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the pecans:ย Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Make the dough:ย In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients:ย Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients:ย In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in pecans:ย Stir the toasted pecans into the dough until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough:ย Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (optional but helps with shaping).
- Shape and bake:ย Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.
- Cool:ย Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, but you can skip this step if youโre short on time.
- For extra buttery flavor, you can brown the butter before making the dough. Let it cool before mixing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
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