There’s something magical about baking cookies, isn’t there? The way the warm aroma fills the house and wraps around you like a cozy blanket. My easy butter pecan cookies are a delightful way to bring that magic into your kitchen without any fuss. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with the nutty crunch of pecans that just elevates the whole experience. Honestly, they come together so easily that they’ve become my go-to when I need a quick treat. Whether it’s a rainy day or a gathering with friends, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and happy bellies!
Ingredients for Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best easy butter pecan cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is your base, and letting it sit out at room temperature makes it easy to cream.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a nice texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: This adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor; make sure to pack it tightly in the measuring cup!
- 2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and create that soft, chewy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Trust me, this adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, providing structure. Make sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, ensuring your cookies rise just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in your cookies.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Feel free to chop them to your desired size; they add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor!
How to Prepare Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
Making these easy butter pecan cookies is a breeze! Just follow these straightforward steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey cookies ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your cookies bake evenly!
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks light in color and has a creamy texture.
- Add the eggs: Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate them fully into the batter, leading to that perfect chewy texture!
- Mix in vanilla: Stir in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until it’s just combined. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. I like to do this in thirds, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; a few flour pockets are okay!
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. They add that delightful crunch and nutty flavor!
- Drop the dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Don’t worry if they look a little soft in the center; they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Cool down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This little patience will reward you with perfectly chewy cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies have that perfect soft, chewy texture that just melts in your mouth. Seriously, you won’t be able to stop at one!
- Nutty Flavor: The chopped pecans bring a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these cookies to a whole new level.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in under 30 minutes. Perfect for when you need a sweet treat in a flash!
- Versatile: You can easily customize these cookies by adding in chocolate chips or swapping nuts, making them a fun recipe to play around with!
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, these cookies are great for sharing and sure to win hearts.
- Made with Simple Ingredients: You likely already have all the ingredients in your pantry, so no last-minute grocery runs are needed!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your easy butter pecan cookies turn out perfectly every time? I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite tips and tricks!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together smoothly, resulting in a better cookie texture.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies—yikes!
- Adjust baking time for softness: If you prefer softer cookies, take them out of the oven when they’re still a bit underbaked (they should look soft but set). They’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Toast your pecans: For an even richer flavor, consider toasting your pecans before chopping and adding them to the dough. Just spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until fragrant.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. It also enhances the flavors!
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a personal twist on the classic recipe. The possibilities are endless!
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to two months!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking up the most delicious batch of easy butter pecan cookies! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in easy butter pecan cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying, right? Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for one cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. If you decide to switch out any ingredients or add extras, the numbers might change a bit. Enjoy your cookies, and remember: everything in moderation!
FAQ About Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
How should I store my cookies?
To keep your easy butter pecan cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their delicious texture for several days. If you want to keep them around longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them!
Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! If you or someone you’re baking for has a nut allergy, you can either leave the nuts out entirely or substitute them with something else. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add a nice crunch without the nutty flavor. If you want to keep things simple, just opt for chocolate chips or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for a sweet twist. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins!
What if I want to make these cookies gluten-free?
No problem at all! To make your easy butter pecan cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that’s designed for baking, as it will give you the best results. You might also want to add a bit of xanthan gum (about 1/4 teaspoon) to help with the texture, especially if your blend doesn’t already include it. With these adjustments, you’ll be enjoying delicious gluten-free cookies in no time!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious easy butter pecan cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! To store them, simply place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for several days—trust me, they won’t last long, but it’s good to know they’ll be delicious while they do!
If you want to keep them for a longer period, freezing is a fantastic option! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge again, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, and they’ll be just like fresh out of the oven!
So, whether you’re saving some for later or enjoying them fresh, following these storage tips will help maintain that delightful cookie experience every time you reach for one!
Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Delight
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy butter pecan cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before adding them.
- Adjust baking time for desired softness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: easy butter pecan cookies
