Indulge in Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies

Madison Brooks

Created by

Madison Brooks

Last updated on 2025-12-09T22:11:32.994Z

These Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of butter and toasted pecans. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Crunchy pecans deliver a satisfying texture
  • Buttery goodness that melts in your mouth
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for any occasion

The Perfect Blend of Flavor and Texture

Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich, creamy flavor of butter and the nutty crunch of pecans. Each bite offers a unique combination of textures that makes these cookies truly irresistible. The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soft, buttery cookie base. This balance of flavors ensures that your taste buds are treated to an exceptional experience with every cookie you enjoy.

Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences by adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist or even incorporating a hint of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or simply to indulge yourself, these cookies will surely impress.

A Quick and Easy Baking Solution

One of the best features of Butter Pecan Cookies is how quick and easy they are to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in no time, making them a perfect choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The creaming method used in this recipe ensures that the cookies come out soft and chewy, while the baking time is just enough to achieve that golden-brown edge without compromising the softness of the center.

In addition, preparing these cookies doesn’t require any complicated techniques or specialized equipment. All you need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking sheet. This simplicity makes Butter Pecan Cookies an ideal baking project for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.

Storing and Serving Tips

To keep your Butter Pecan Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, making them a great option for meal prep or snacks throughout the week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the dough in advance. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pull out the desired number of cookies and add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

When serving these cookies, consider pairing them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. You can also dress them up by dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling melted chocolate on top for an elegant presentation. No matter how you serve them, these cookies are bound to be a hit!

Ingredients

Butter Pecan Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips if using.

Scoop and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your freshly baked Butter Pecan Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in this recipe? While unsalted butter is recommended to control the amount of salt in your cookies, you can use salted butter. Just omit the additional salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

What type of pecans work best for this recipe? Fresh pecans are ideal for Butter Pecan Cookies. You can use either roasted or raw pecans, but roasting them beforehand will enhance their flavor and crunch.

Variations to Try

For a unique twist, try adding different mix-ins! Chopped dried fruit, such as cranberries or cherries, can add a sweet and tangy flavor, while white chocolate chips will provide a creamy contrast to the nuttiness of the pecans.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe.

→ How should I store the cookies?

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

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.

→ What can I substitute for pecans?

You can use walnuts, almonds, or even chocolate chips if you prefer.

Indulge in Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies

Indulge in Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration12 minutes
Overall Time27 minutes

Created by: Madison Brooks

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

Butter Pecan Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  4. 1 large egg
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  9. 1 cup pecans, chopped
  10. 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

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. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 04

Fold in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips if using.

Step 05

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 06

Remove from the oven and 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 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g