If you love buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet cookies, then these Butter Pecan Cookies will be your new obsession! With a rich, caramelized flavor, a soft yet crisp texture, and toasted pecans in every bite, they are pure cookie perfection.
These easy homemade cookies come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or just a sweet treat with coffee. Whether you’re a pecan lover or just a fan of melt-in-your-mouth cookies, this classic recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Super Buttery & Rich – The combination of butter and toasted pecans creates an incredible depth of flavor.
✔️ Crispy Edges, Soft Centers – The perfect texture for cookie lovers!
✔️ Easy to Make – No fancy techniques, just simple baking.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – These cookies store well and freeze beautifully!
Let’s get started on this easy Butter Pecan Cookie recipe that will make your house smell amazing!
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cookies
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for extra softness)
- 1 ½ cups pecans, toasted and chopped
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ tsp cinnamon for a warm spice kick
- ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- 1 tsp maple extract for extra depth of flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Let them cool before adding them to the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Stir in the toasted pecans (and any optional add-ins like cinnamon or chocolate chips).
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). This helps the flavors meld and keeps the cookies from spreading too much.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) again and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Step 5: Enjoy!
- Serve warm with a glass of milk or coffee. ☕🍪
Servings and Cooking Time
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
Variations and Substitutions
1. Chewy Version
- Use ½ cup more brown sugar and reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup.
- Add an extra egg yolk for extra richness.
2. Crunchy Version
- Bake for an extra 2-3 minutes for crispier cookies.
- Add ½ cup of rolled oats for more texture.
3. Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cookies
- Substitute gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
- Ensure the baking soda and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
4. Keto or Low-Carb Version
- Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Swap out sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks.
How to Freeze
- Freeze the dough: Scoop cookie dough balls onto a tray, freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- Freeze baked cookies: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat
- Microwave: Warm for 10-15 seconds for a freshly baked taste.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
- The dough was too warm – chill it longer before baking.
- You didn’t measure the flour correctly – spoon and level it instead of scooping.
2. Can I use salted butter?
Yes! Just reduce the added salt to ¼ teaspoon.
3. How do I make these cookies extra buttery?
- Use European-style butter like Kerrygold for a richer flavor.
- Increase the butter by 1-2 tablespoons (but expect softer cookies).
4. Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances the nutty, caramelized flavor, but you can skip it if needed.
5. Can I use a cookie scoop?
Yes! A medium cookie scoop (1.5 tablespoons) works perfectly.
6. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chill the dough for up to 24 hours or freeze it for later.
7. Can I add a glaze?
Yes! Try a brown butter glaze or a maple glaze for extra sweetness.
8. What can I serve with these cookies?
Pair them with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches.
10. How do I make these cookies softer?
- Add 1 tsp of cornstarch to the dough.
- Bake for slightly less time and let them set on the baking sheet.
Final Thoughts on Butter Pecan Cookies
These Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery richness, nutty crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re baking them for holidays, gifting, or just because, they are guaranteed to be a hit!
Make a batch today and experience the ultimate pecan cookie bliss! 🍪✨
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!