Butter pecan cookies are one of my all-time favorites! They have this incredible buttery richness and a satisfying crunch from the pecans that just keeps you coming back for more. I remember the first time I made them; I was trying to impress some friends during a cozy get-together. The smell of those cookies baking filled the whole house, and I could hardly wait for them to cool before devouring a few. Trust me, there’s something magical about biting into a warm cookie, the buttery flavor melting in your mouth while the toasted pecans add that perfect crunch. You’re going to love these!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get those butter pecan cookies baking! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a good old-fashioned whisk—just mix until it’s nice and fluffy.
Next, add in the two large eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure to mix well so everything is combined. Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the three cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is key to getting the right texture! Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mix, stirring just until they come together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix gently.
Once that’s all mixed, it’s time for the star of the show! Fold in those chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Now, using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden brown but the centers still look a bit soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And there you have it—delicious butter pecan cookies waiting to be devoured!
Tips for Success
To ensure your butter pecan cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use high-quality unsalted butter; it makes a world of difference in flavor. Before you start, make sure your butter is really soft—this helps create that light and fluffy texture. When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off; don’t scoop directly from the bag, or you might end up with too much flour and dense cookies.
Also, keep an eye on your cookies while they bake! Every oven is a little different, so start checking at the 10-minute mark. You want that golden edge but a soft center. If you like a chewier texture, don’t overbake; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Trust me, following these tips will make your cookies the talk of the town!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads up—nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s the general breakdown for one of my delicious butter pecan cookies:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
Enjoy these tasty treats knowing you’re indulging in a delightful balance of flavors!
Variations
One of the best things about butter pecan cookies is how versatile they can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and crunch, so feel free to experiment! For a chocolatey twist, fold in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips—oh wow, chocolate and butter pecan are a match made in cookie heaven!
If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for that cozy, warm flavor. You could even mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical vibe! The possibilities are endless, and these variations can make your butter pecan cookies even more exciting. So go ahead, and have fun with it!
FAQ Section
Got questions about butter pecan cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your butter pecan cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to two months!
Can I use other types of nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans are my favorite, walnuts, macadamia nuts, or even almonds can be delicious alternatives. Just chop them up and mix them in!
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies turn out flat, it might be due to softened butter that was too warm or not enough flour. Make sure to measure accurately and keep your butter just softened, not melted.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before scooping and baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for any occasion!
- Rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Crunchy pecans add a delightful texture.
- Crowd-pleasing cookies that everyone will adore.
- Versatile enough to customize with different nuts or add-ins.
- Perfectly chewy and soft, just the way cookies should be!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your butter pecan cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature—no reheating needed! This way, they’ll stay soft and delicious, just like when they were fresh out of the oven.
For more tips on cookie storage, check out Food Network’s guide.
If you’re looking for more delicious cookie recipes, visit this page for tips on perfecting your baking skills!
Print
Butter pecan cookies: 5 steps to pure cookie bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious butter pecan cookies with a rich flavor and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For chewier cookies, do not overbake.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: butter pecan cookies, cookies, dessert, baking
