Yummy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: Simple & Sweet Delights

Softly sweet and delightfully nutty, these butter pecan cookies melt in your mouth with irresistible charm.

Pecans deliver a rich, buttery crunch that elevates each delectable bite.

Southern bakers have long cherished this classic treat for its simple yet profound flavor profile.

Every crumbly, golden-brown cookie promises a moment of pure comfort.

The recipe comes together quickly with just a handful of pantry staples.

Crisp edges and tender centers create a perfect textural balance that cookie lovers adore.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments, leaving only happy smiles behind.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 23

All The Goodies In Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Pecans: Enhances nutty flavor and adds crunch, choose fresh and whole pecans with no discoloration or rancid smell.

• Butter: Creates rich, creamy texture, use softened unsalted butter at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie caramelization, ensure fresh and free from lumps.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure, select large, fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth, use pure vanilla extract for best flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for cookies, sift to remove any lumps.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, use fine table salt.
• Ground Cinnamon: Optional spice that adds warmth and complexity to cookie flavor.

What You Need To Make Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Baking Sheets: Essential for baking cookies evenly and preventing sticking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Provides non-stick surface and easy cookie removal.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, mixing dough ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Crucial for creating light, fluffy cookie dough quickly.
• Separate Mixing Bowl: Needed for whisking dry ingredients separately.
• Spatula: Great for folding pecans into dough and scraping bowl sides.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly and prevent clumping.
• Wire Rack: Allows cookies to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Tablespoon or Cookie Scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes.

How To Whip Up Easy Butter Pecan Cookies At Home

• Pecan Warmth

Toast pecans in the oven until they release a rich, aromatic fragrance. This step deepens their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your cookies.

• Creamy Foundation

Blend softened butter with sugars until the mixture becomes light and airy. Gently incorporate eggs and vanilla, creating a smooth and silky base for your cookies.

• Dry Magic

Whisk flour, baking soda, and a hint of cinnamon together. Slowly fold this powdery mixture into the creamy base, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.

• Nutty Embrace

Carefully fold the toasted pecans into the cookie dough, ensuring an even distribution of nutty goodness throughout each bite.

• Chill and Anticipate

Let the dough rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. This patience will reward you with perfectly shaped cookies.

• Cookie Crafting

Scoop out dollops of dough and roll them into delicate balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet, giving each cookie room to spread its delicious wings.

• Golden Transformation

Bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, tender center. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.

• Cookie Celebration

Savor these nutty treats warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying a moment of sweet solitude.

Simple Upgrades For Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Toasting Magic: Toasting pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch, transforming ordinary cookies into extraordinary treats. Always let nuts cool completely before mixing into dough to prevent overbaking.
• Make-Ahead Maestro: Prepare cookie dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. This technique allows flavors to develop and helps cookies maintain a perfect shape during baking. Dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months for spontaneous cookie moments.
• Gluten-Free Grace: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly cookies. Add 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum to help maintain texture and prevent crumbling. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for safe preparation.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with equal amounts of coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives. Choose plant-based egg substitutes like ground flaxseed or commercial egg replacers to create a compassionate version of these delectable cookies.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel after cooling for an extra indulgent twist.

Serving Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Without The Fuss

• Cozy Dessert Pairing: Serve these buttery pecan cookies alongside a warm mug of vanilla chai tea or rich hot chocolate for a comforting afternoon treat.
• Sweet Garnish Delight: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cookies or drizzle melted chocolate for an elegant and indulgent presentation that enhances their nutty flavor.
• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorative wooden board with whole pecans, cinnamon sticks, and small seasonal ornaments to create a charming display perfect for gatherings and gift-giving.
• Creamy Complementary Combo: Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert experience and add a luxurious touch to each bite.

Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Storage Tips For Busy Bakers

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container with a tight-sealed lid, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place container in the refrigerator for extended freshness up to 7 days.
• Freezer Magic: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies maintain top-quality taste for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead Dough Trick: Prepare cookie dough in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, shape raw dough balls and freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future baking sessions.
• Cookie Moisture Control: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container, which helps maintain softness and prevents cookies from becoming dry or crispy. Replace bread slice every 1-2 days to keep cookies tender and delicious.

Crunchy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 23 1x

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Description

Butter pecan cookies offer a delightful Southern-style treat with rich, nutty flavors. Crumbly, sweet morsels pair perfectly with coffee or tea, providing a comforting dessert experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (230 g / 8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (165 g / 5.8 oz) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups (280 g / 9.9 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) chopped pecans, toasted

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Instructions

1. Roasting Pecans: Preheat oven to 350°F and spread pecans on a baking sheet, toasting until fragrant and golden brown, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Creaming Butter: Whip softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until fluffy, then blend in eggs one at a time, creating a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
3. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry components.
4. Dough Assembly: Fold roasted pecans into the butter mixture, gently incorporating them while maintaining their structural integrity, then combine with dry ingredients to form a cohesive dough.
5. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and butter to firm up, which enhances the cookies’ texture and prevents excessive spreading.
6. Baking Procedure: Line baking sheets with parchment paper, shape chilled dough into uniform balls, spacing them appropriately, and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden and centers remain slightly soft.
7. Cooling and Storage: Transfer cookies to a wire rack immediately after removing from the oven, allowing them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to preserve their crisp texture and nutty flavor.

Notes

• Roast Pecans Carefully: Toast pecans slowly to prevent burning, watching closely for golden-brown color and releasing maximum nutty flavor.
• Chill Dough Effectively: Refrigerate cookie dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Control Butter Temperature: Use room temperature butter for smooth mixing, ensuring even incorporation without overmixing the dough.
• Manage Cookie Size Consistently: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform cookie sizes, promoting even baking and professional appearance.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 23
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg