Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe with you because it’s one of those treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. The magic really happens when you brown the butter—the nutty aroma fills your kitchen and promises something deeply flavorful. If you’re a fan of that toasty pecan flavor with a slightly crisp bite, you’re in for a real treat.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how those browned buttered pecans elevate simple cookies into something special that my family goes crazy for. Plus, these cookies are perfect for a cozy night in, holiday cookie swaps, or anytime you want to impress without hours of fuss. Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how to nail this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe with ease and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work in harmony to bring out the best butter pecan flavor while building a soft, chewy cookie with just the right sweetness and spice balance. When choosing your pecans, fresh and good quality makes a huge difference for that rich, buttery taste.

• Pecan halves: Look for fresh, crunchy pecans; they toast beautifully and are key for the cookie’s signature flavor and texture.
• Unsalted butter: Use real butter, not margarine, to ensure that rich, creamy taste—unsalted lets you control the salt balance.
• All-purpose flour: The base that gives cookies structure without being too heavy.
• Cornstarch: Adds tenderness and a slightly softer crumb to your cookies.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon: Just a hint to warm up the nutty flavors without overpowering them.
• Baking soda: Gives your cookies a nice rise and the right texture.
• Dark brown sugar: Brings moisture, depth, and a subtle molasses note.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to crisp edges.
• Vanilla extract: A must for rounding out the sweetness and enhancing the butter and nuts.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness—make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

Variations

I love how simple tweaks can make this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe feel totally unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment! Whether you want to boost the nutty factor or keep things gluten-free, there’s room to make this recipe your own.

• Gluten-Free Option: I swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s one-to-one to still get that great texture without compromise.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For a little extra indulgence, stirring in some semi-sweet chocolate chips adds a melty, rich contrast that my kids adore.
• Use Maple Extract: Once, I replaced vanilla with pure maple extract for a cozy twist – it’s subtle but gives a beautiful warmth to the overall flavor.
• Brown Sugar Swap: You can replace dark brown sugar with light brown sugar if that’s all you have—cookies will still turn out moist and flavorful.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Buttered Pecans

Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped pecans and stir occasionally, toasting them gently for 4 to 5 minutes. You want them lightly browned and smelling nutty—this step builds that signature flavor, so keep an eye to avoid burning. Once done, set them aside to cool while you prep the cookie dough.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda until everything is evenly combined. Having this ready upfront makes it easy to fold in later without over-mixing, which can toughen the cookies.

Step 3: Brown the Butter and Combine Sugars

This part is my favorite—the browned butter adds so much richness. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling the pan occasionally. You’ll notice foam forming and hear little popping sounds—that’s when to be extra attentive! The color will shift to a warm amber, and you’ll smell a nutty aroma. Pull it off the heat immediately and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Whisk in both the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and combined.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Eggs

Stir in the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs and extra egg yolk one at a time. Mixing just until the eggs are incorporated keeps your cookie dough tender. If you overbeat here, you might end up with denser cookies.

Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Buttered Pecans

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Then fold in those delicious browned pecans you toasted earlier. The key here is gentle folding—over-mixing will toughen your dough and lose that perfect texture we’re aiming for.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. I know it feels like forever, but this step is a game-changer for texture and flavor. Chilling firms the dough, helps control spreading, and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Scoop, Decorate & Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a large cookie scoop to portion the dough into roughly 3-tablespoon balls, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Press a whole pecan half gently on top of each dough ball for that classic look and a nutty finish. Bake one tray at a time for 10-11 minutes until edges are just golden. If during baking any edges spread too far, gently push them back with a spatula as soon as they come out of the oven. While still warm, sprinkle each cookie with a little granulated sugar for a satisfyingly sweet crunch.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring them carefully to a wire rack. This resting lets them set up nicely and helps maintain the perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually go simple here—just a single pecan half pressed on top before baking and a sprinkle of sugar after. Sometimes, I dust a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar right after baking for an extra cozy hit. These little touches add charm without overpowering the butter pecan goodness.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, a creamy glass of milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert spread. They also hold up beautifully alongside afternoon tea or a festive holiday punch.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve tried stacking the cookies with wax paper between layers, tied with a rustic ribbon, as charming gifts. For parties, serving them on tiered trays mixed with fresh fruit or small bowls of nuts really elevates the experience. Plus, they make a great edible garnish for dessert platters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature—it keeps them crisp at the edges and soft inside for up to five days. If you want to keep that freshly baked vibe, adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture balance.

Freezing

I like to freeze unbaked cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-lock bag. When I want fresh cookies, I just thaw the dough overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This trick saves so much time and means you’re always ready for a butter pecan craving.

Reheating

If cookies get a little hard, I pop them in a warm oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their soft centers and crunchy edges almost like freshly baked, and trust me, it makes a world of difference.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simple ingredients with techniques that really highlight the nutty, buttery flavor we all crave. I encourage you to try making these at home—you’ll enjoy the process as much as the delicious results. Once you nail this recipe, it becomes your go-to for sharing love through baking, trust me.

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