Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Ultimate Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe – Soft, Buttery & Irresistible

There’s something timeless about a batch of warm, homemade cookies coming out of the oven—the aroma of butter and vanilla filling the kitchen, the gentle crackle of toasted nuts, and the anticipation of that first delicious bite. Among all the beloved cookie varieties, Butter Pecan Cookies hold a special place in the hearts of Southern bakers. These cookies are a perfect harmony of sweet, nutty, and buttery, with a soft and chewy center and golden, crisp edges that practically melt in your mouth.

They’re not just cookies—they’re a comforting reminder of home, of holidays spent with family, and of the gentle joy that comes from baking something with love. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday dessert table, gifting them in a tin to a dear friend, or simply enjoying one with your afternoon cup of tea, these cookies promise warmth and comfort in every bite.

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Why These Butter Pecan Cookies Are So Special

This recipe is a celebration of simplicity, perfected through the balance of flavor and texture. Every ingredient works in harmony to create a cookie that’s tender on the inside, delicately crisp around the edges, and full of rich pecan flavor. Unlike many store-bought versions, these cookies taste homemade in the best possible way—each bite offers the luscious depth of real butter, the nuttiness of toasted pecans, and a sweetness that’s never overwhelming.

Part of what makes this recipe irresistible is its adaptability. The dough can be made ahead of time and chilled, which enhances flavor and makes the texture even chewier. The pecans are toasted before mixing, bringing out their full, buttery aroma and adding a subtle caramelized note that lingers beautifully. These cookies don’t rely on fancy ingredients—just a few quality staples and a touch of care.

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Ingredients & Their Unique Roles

• 1 cup chopped pecans: The soul of the recipe, pecans add crunch and a deep, buttery flavor. Toasting them first brings out their natural oils and aroma, making them truly shine.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Butter gives the cookies their tender crumb and rich flavor. Using unsalted butter ensures you can control the salt level perfectly.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture, chewiness, and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the pecans perfectly.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the slight crispness on the edges.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure and help the dough bind together while keeping it soft.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances every flavor in the cookie and adds that nostalgic bakery-style aroma.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their structure while allowing them to remain tender.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, thick texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery depth.

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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 them for about 5–7 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Keep an eye on them—they go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. Once fragrant and lightly browned, remove and let them cool.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, ensuring a tender cookie texture. Use a hand or stand mixer for best results.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to overmix—stop once no streaks of flour remain.

Step 5: Fold in the Toasted Pecans

Gently fold in the cooled, toasted pecans. If you like, you can reserve a few whole pecans to press on top of each cookie before baking for a pretty, bakery-style touch.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30–45 minutes. Chilling allows the butter to firm up and the flavors to deepen, which prevents spreading and enhances texture.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven again to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden but centers look slightly soft—they’ll continue cooking as they cool.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days—or freeze for later enjoyment.

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Baker’s Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies

• Always toast your pecans. It enhances flavor dramatically and adds texture.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough—it’s the secret to thick, chewy cookies.
• For a richer flavor, brown the butter before mixing and let it cool slightly before creaming.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and complexity.
• Press a few extra pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt on top right before baking for a bakery-finish look.

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Storage & Freezing

These cookies keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate for a slightly firmer texture. For long-term storage, freeze baked cookies or unbaked dough balls in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Simply bake frozen dough directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

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Variations to Try

• Chocolate-Dipped Butter Pecan Cookies: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark or milk chocolate for a stunning presentation.
• Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for an added layer of sweetness and aroma.
• Pecan Praline Cookies: Drizzle caramel over the top for a praline-inspired twist that’s pure indulgence.
• Browned Butter Version: Cook your butter until golden brown before using—this intensifies its nutty richness.

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Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with warm beverages like coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. For a Southern-inspired dessert plate, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. During the holidays, they make a beautiful addition to cookie platters or as edible gifts tied in cellophane with a ribbon and a personal note.

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Final Thoughts

The Ultimate Butter Pecan Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a sweet symbol of Southern comfort and hospitality. Every bite captures the essence of homemade baking: warmth, nostalgia, and pure buttery bliss. From the first moment the pecans toast in the oven to the last crumb enjoyed with a smile, this recipe delivers simple joy in its most delicious form.

So put on your apron, preheat that oven, and let the scent of butter and vanilla fill your kitchen. These cookies aren’t just baked—they’re shared, cherished, and remembered. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a gentle reminder that the sweetest moments in life are often found in the simplest pleasures.