If you are on the hunt for a cookie that perfectly balances rich butteriness with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, then this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Each cookie offers a tender crumb infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla notes, studded generously with buttery, toasted pecans and a subtle hint of toffee that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family night or an upcoming celebration, these cookies promise to become a fast favorite for anyone lucky enough to taste them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create deep flavors and lovely textures. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that gives richness to the dough to the pecans that bring crunch and nutty goodness.
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly: Provides a rich, creamy base that ensures tender and flavorful cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that slight crisp edge.
- Brown sugar: Introduces moistness and a subtle caramel undertone that complements the pecans perfectly.
- Large eggs: Bind the dough and contribute to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a warm, sweet aroma that elevates every bite.
- All-purpose flour: The structure for the cookies, balancing tenderness and chewiness.
- Cinnamon powder: Adds a gentle spice layer that enhances the nuttiness.
- Cornstarch: Keeps cookies soft and provides a delicate crumb.
- Baking soda: Leavens the dough for lightness and spread.
- Baking powder: Works with baking soda to ensure just the right rise and texture.
- Roughly chopped pecans (toasted preferred): The star ingredient bringing crunch, flavor, and a buttery note.
- Toffee bits (optional): Adds a sweet, crunchy surprise that elevates the cookie experience.
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Tray
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep goes a long way in achieving perfectly baked cookies with clean bottoms.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted and slightly cooled butter with both granulated and brown sugar. Whisk or beat these together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This step is crucial for incorporating air, resulting in a lighter cookie texture that still retains buttery richness.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract into your creamed mixture. Beat everything together until the batter is uniform and smooth. These ingredients bring moisture and an intoxicating aroma that layers beautifully underneath the pecans.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Slowly sift in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; overworking the dough can toughen your cookies. This balance ensures a tender cookie with slight chewiness.
Step 5: Fold in Pecans and Toffee Bits
Gently fold the roughly chopped pecans and optional toffee bits into the dough. The toasted pecans add deep nutty flavors and delightful texture, while toffee bits give little pockets of extra sweetness that’ll make you want more with every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough for 30 to 45 minutes. Chilling firms it up, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies hold their shape during baking. This resting time also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll the chilled dough into balls. For an extra touch of sparkle and crunch, you can roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before placing them on your baking tray. Space them generously to allow for spreading.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking tray into the oven and bake for 11 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the centers appear set. This precise timing yields cookies that are crisp on the edges and chewy in the middle.
Step 9: Cool and Final Touches
Once baked, allow your cookies to cool right on the tray. If you find the centers puffed up slightly, gently press them down to expand and flatten for that classic cookie shape. Cooling helps them firm up so you can enjoy the perfect texture with every bite.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Your buttery, nutty Butter Pecan Cookies are now ready to be devoured or gifted. These gratifying cookies evoke a cozy warmth and homemade charm unlike any other.
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies to add a subtle sweetness and pretty presentation. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can also lend a lovely contrast and help elevate the Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a comforting cup of spiced chai tea for a timeless combination. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm mug of coffee, making this cookie the star at any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board garnished with fresh pecans and cinnamon sticks for a visually inviting treat. You could also stack them between parchment paper layers in a decorative tin for a charming gift. For a fun dessert, sandwich them with a cream cheese frosting or caramel spread and watch smiles grow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and chewy while preserving that distinct buttery pecan flavor you love.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delicious treats longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to three months. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls, wrapped tightly, to bake fresh cookies whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To revive the soft, melty goodness of your Butter Pecan Cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the freshly baked taste and texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and provide a distinctive flavor, you can swap them with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference or allergy considerations. Each will offer a slightly different texture and taste.
Why should I chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle, and helps control spreading while baking. It also allows the flavors to marry, resulting in tastier cookies with better texture.
Are toffee bits necessary in this Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe?
Toffee bits are optional but highly recommended if you want an extra layer of sweetness and crunch. They complement the pecan flavor beautifully but can be omitted if unavailable or if you prefer a simpler cookie.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
For chewier cookies, consider slightly increasing the brown sugar amount as it adds moisture. Also, avoid overbaking and remove from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden and centers look set but not dry.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend of equal measure. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain proper texture and structure.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably satisfying about baking a batch of cookies that combine buttery richness with the inviting crunch of toasted pecans and just a hint of spice. This Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe captures that perfect harmony beautifully and is sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen. Give it a try, share with friends and family, and savor the smiles that follow—these cookies are truly worth every delicious bite.
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
A classic Butter Pecan Cookies recipe featuring a rich, buttery dough loaded with toasted pecans and optional toffee bits. These cookies are soft in the center with crisp edges and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for any occasion or a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 5 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Add-ins
- 5 cups roughly chopped pecans (toasted if preferred)
- 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring proper incorporation of the sugars into the fat.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix just until combined to avoid toughening the dough by overworking.
- Fold in Pecans and Toffee: Gently fold in the toasted pecans and toffee bits if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30-45 minutes to firm it up for easier handling and to enhance the cookie texture.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into balls. Optionally, roll each ball in granulated sugar for extra texture and sweetness before placing them spaced on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking tray. Press the centers down gently if needed to flatten for even shape and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your freshly baked Butter Pecan Cookies with a glass of milk or as a delightful snack anytime.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans before adding enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and improves texture.
- Rolling cookies in sugar before baking adds a pleasant crunch and a hint of sweetness on the outside.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adjusting baking times slightly if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
