Irresistibly Simple Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe You’ll Love

Biting into a butter pecan cookie that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

These golden-brown delights carry a rich, nutty charm that beckons from the kitchen.

Pecans add a delectable crunch to every sweet morsel.

Southern baking traditions shine through this simple yet irresistible treat.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these cookies impossible to resist.

Each batch promises moments of pure, delightful indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every single crumbly, buttery bite of these heavenly morsels.

Reasons to Try Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Unlock Buttery Pecan Perfection: These cookies deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience with rich, toasted pecans that add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor in every bite.
• Effortless Baking Bliss: The recipe requires minimal prep time and basic ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a quick, delicious treat without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Comfort Dessert: Ideal for casual family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a simple sweet craving, these cookies offer a comforting blend of classic flavors that everyone will love.
• Customize Your Delight: The optional toasting of pecans and chilling of dough allows bakers to enhance texture and flavor, giving you control over the final delicious result.

What You Need for Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly during baking.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, subtle spice note to complement the pecans.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the cookies. Room temperature is best for smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture. Brown sugar adds depth of flavor.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cookies. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.

• Pecans: Bring a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Toasting intensifies their natural sweetness. Whole or chopped pecans work well.

How to Bake Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Roast Nutty Goodness

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and let them dance in the heat for 5-7 minutes until they release a mouth-watering aroma. Allow them to cool down completely before their cookie adventure.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whip these ingredients with an electric mixer until they become light and fluffy like a cloud. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing joy.

Step 3: Introduce Liquid Companions

Crack eggs into the mixture one at a time, giving each a thorough beating. Splash in vanilla extract and mix until everything looks perfectly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Teammates

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re best friends.

Step 5: Create Cookie Harmony

Slowly blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed, just until everything comes together. Don’t overwork the dough – treat it gently!

Step 6: Welcome Toasted Pecans

Fold in those beautifully roasted pecans using a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Chill Out

Cover the dough and let it relax in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps create more flavorful and perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Station

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls and roll them into smooth spheres. Place them on the sheet with enough breathing room – about 2 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the cookies into the 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers look slightly soft.

Step 10: Cool and Celebrate

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. These cookies are ready to be devoured!

Storage Tip: Keep these delectable treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days – if they last that long!

Top Tips for Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Maximize Pecan Flavor: Toast pecans before adding to the dough to enhance their nutty, rich taste and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Prevent Spreading Cookies: Chill the dough for 30-60 minutes to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Customize Texture Perfectly: Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and more consistent cookie texture that's soft and chewy.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, or use alternative sugars for a lower-sugar option without compromising taste.
• Store Smart: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain freshness and prevent sticking.

How to Store and Warm Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Refrigerate: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies maintain their delicious flavor for 2-3 months.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to preserve their perfect texture.
• Reheat: Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore that fresh-from-the-oven softness and bring out the rich pecan flavor.

Tasty Matches for Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair these buttery pecan cookies with a rich, medium-roast coffee that highlights the nutty warmth of the pecans, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and robust flavor.
• Complement with Creamy Vanilla Chai: A smooth, spiced chai latte brings out the cinnamon undertones in the cookies, offering a delightful contrast between the crisp cookie texture and the velvety drink.
• Enhance with Sweet Dessert Wine: A glass of sweet moscato or late-harvest riesling perfectly matches the cookie's buttery richness, elevating the pecan's caramelized notes and providing a luxurious tasting experience.
• Create an Ice Cream Indulgence: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream for an ultimate dessert combo that amplifies the cookie's nutty, sweet profile and provides a delightful temperature contrast.

Easy Butter Pecan Cookies with a Twist

• Chocolate Pecan Crunch: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips alongside the pecans for a rich, decadent flavor. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for extra indulgence.
• Maple Pecan Comfort: Replace vanilla extract with pure maple syrup. Sprinkle coarse maple sugar on top before baking to enhance the warm, woodsy flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Pecan: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the baked cookies. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to create a sweet-salty contrast that elevates the classic recipe.
• Spiced Pecan Delight: Add ground nutmeg and cardamom to the dry ingredients. Mix in finely chopped crystallized ginger for a warm, slightly spicy undertone that complements the toasted pecans.

Your Questions on Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Answered

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

Toasting pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor and creates a deeper, more complex taste. It also makes the pecans crunchier and more aromatic, which significantly improves the overall texture and flavor of the cookies.

• Can I make these cookies without pecans if someone has a nut allergy?

Absolutely! You can simply omit the pecans or replace them with chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds like sunflower seeds. The base cookie recipe will still be delicious and flavorful.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and centers that appear slightly underbaked. They might seem soft when you first take them out, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Don’t overbake, or the cookies will become dry and crumbly.

• Is chilling the dough really necessary?

While optional, chilling the dough helps prevent cookies from spreading too much and creates a thicker, chewier texture. If you’re short on time, you can bake immediately, but the cookies might be slightly flatter.

Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Buttery, crumbly easy butter pecan cookies deliver classic Southern comfort with each delightful bite. Crisp edges and rich nutty flavor invite sweet moments of pure indulgence you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) chopped pecans, toasted

Sugar Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (165 g) brown sugar, packed

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Transform raw pecans into a fragrant, golden-brown delicacy by roasting them in a preheated oven until their nutty aroma intensifies.
2. Create a luxurious butter base by whipping softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy, incorporating eggs one at a time to ensure a smooth, cohesive texture.
3. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate vessel, ensuring a uniform distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Gently incorporate the toasted pecans into the cookie batter, folding them delicately to maintain their structural integrity.
5. Enhance the cookie’s texture by allowing the dough to rest and chill in the refrigerator, permitting the flavors to meld and the butter to solidify.
6. Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper, then methodically shape the chilled dough into uniform spheres, positioning them with precise spacing to allow for gentle spreading during baking.
7. Slide the cookie-laden sheets into a hot oven, watching carefully as the edges transform to a delicate golden hue while the centers remain slightly tender and inviting.
8. Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack, letting them reach room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
9. Preserve the cookies in an airtight container, ensuring they maintain their delectable crunch and nutty essence for several days of enjoyment.

Notes

• Toasting pecans enhances their rich, nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cookies, making them more aromatic and complex.
• Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and creates thicker, more structured cookies with a perfect soft and chewy texture.
• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same delicious results for those with dietary restrictions.
• Customize the recipe by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking or experimenting with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom to create unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg