Description
Butter Pecan Cookies are a timeless Southern favorite, loved for their rich buttery flavor, crisp edges, soft centers, and crunchy toasted pecans. Every bite delivers the warm, nutty taste of roasted pecans wrapped in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that’s perfect with a glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Ingredients
🍪 For the Cookies
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups chopped pecans, toasted
✨ Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup toffee bits
- ¼ teaspoon maple extract
- ½ teaspoon butter extract
🍯 Optional Garnishes
- Extra toasted pecans
- Sea salt flakes
- White chocolate drizzle
- Caramel drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread pecans on a baking sheet.
Bake for 7–8 minutes, stirring once.
Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon (if using)
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients.
Mix just until combined.
Fold in the toasted pecans and any optional add-ins.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if needed.
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough for each cookie.
Place 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor significantly.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour.
- Chilling the dough helps create thicker, softer cookies.
- Slightly underbake the cookies for the softest centers.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before moving them.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g