Butter Pecan Cookies
If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecans combined with the buttery goodness of a classic cookie, then Butter Pecan Cookies are a must-try! These cookies are crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with toasted pecans that add a delightful crunch to every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies will satisfy your dessert cravings with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery, nutty flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Butter Pecan Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—rich, buttery, and packed with pecans for extra texture and flavor. You’ll love how simple they are to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The chopped pecans add a delightful crunch, while the soft, buttery cookie dough creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe by adding extra pecan halves on top for a beautiful presentation!
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup buttered pecan halves (for topping, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, until well combined.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the cookie dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Scoop the dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, press a buttered pecan half onto the top of each cookie for decoration.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will remain soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or as an afternoon snack.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.
Helpful Notes
- To enhance the nutty flavor, you can toast the pecans before folding them into the cookie dough. Simply spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- If you prefer a chewier cookie, reduce the baking time by 1-2 minutes. For crispier cookies, bake them a minute or two longer.
- You can use salted butter in this recipe if you prefer, just reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
FAQs
1. Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
2. Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. This can actually enhance the flavor, as the dough has time to develop. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best results.
4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
5. Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes! For a chocolatey twist, feel free to add a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the dough.
Final Thoughts
These Butter Pecan Cookies are a classic treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with the soft, chewy texture of a perfect cookie. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just looking for a comforting snack, these cookies are sure to please. With their nutty crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re an irresistible addition to any cookie tray. Enjoy these simple yet decadent cookies any time of year!