Irresistibly Soft Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Warm, nutty butter pecan cookies bring comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Crunchy pecans add delightful texture to each sweet bite.

Memories of childhood baking sessions flood back with every crumbly morsel.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a perfect cookie experience.

Southern baking traditions shine through this simple yet irresistible treat.

Toasted pecans complement the rich, buttery dough magnificently.

A single batch guarantees smiles and happy munching around the table.

Ingredients for Classic Butter Pecan Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: The primary fat source that provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Pecan Halves: A key ingredient that delivers a nutty crunch and signature butter pecan taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: The fundamental structure builder for the cookie's base.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the cookie.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning and crisp edges.

• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Contribute to cookie structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet essence.

• Cornstarch, Salt, Ground Cinnamon, Baking Soda: These ingredients work together to create a soft, tender cookie with balanced seasoning and proper rising.
• Parchment Paper: Used for easy cookie removal and preventing sticking.
• Granulated Sugar (Optional Topping): Provides a delicate sweet finish when sprinkled on warm cookies.

How to Bake Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Toast Crunchy Pecans

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Scatter finely chopped pecan halves and cook while stirring occasionally.

Toast until pecans develop a golden, fragrant appearance. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl. Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, ground cinnamon, and baking soda.

Whisk ingredients until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Brown Butter Magic

Place butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Watch carefully as butter transforms into a deep amber color with a rich, nutty scent. Remove from heat immediately and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 4: Create Sweet Base

Add dark brown sugar and granulated sugar to browned butter. Whisk energetically until the mixture looks smooth and integrated.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Pour in vanilla extract. Crack eggs and egg yolk one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 6: Combine Dough Components

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Ensure complete integration.

Carefully mix in the toasted pecans.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Cover mixing bowl and refrigerate for 4 hours.

This helps develop deeper flavor and ideal cookie texture.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Station

Warm oven to 375°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 9: Shape Cookie Portions

Use a cookie scoop to create 3-tablespoon sized dough balls.

Place on prepared sheets with 3-inch spacing.

Step 10: Optional Pecan Decoration

If desired, press a single pecan half on top of each cookie dough portion.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide cookies into preheated oven. Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 12: Rescue Spread Cookies

If cookies spread too much during baking, use a spatula to gently reshape while still warm.

Step 13: Final Touch

Optionally sprinkle warm cookies with a light dusting of granulated sugar.

Step 14: Cool and Serve

Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 15 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack.

Enjoy these nutty, brown butter treasures!

Tips to Elevate Your Butter Pecan Cookies

• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, stirring frequently during the skillet process. Brown butter slowly to develop a rich, deep caramel-like taste that elevates the entire cookie's complexity. Refrigerate dough for the full 4 hours to prevent excessive spreading and ensure a dense, chewy texture during baking. Space cookies generously on the baking sheet to allow proper expansion and maintain uniform shape. Consider using a light sugar dusting while cookies are warm for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Delicious Variations of Butter Pecan Cookies

• Gluten-Free Pecan Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Nutty Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a plant-based version.
• Chocolate Pecan Variation: Add dark chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for extra richness.
• Maple Pecan Alternative: Replace some granulated sugar with pure maple syrup and add a hint of maple extract for a deeper woodland flavor profile.

Pairings to Enjoy with Butter Pecan Cookies

• The nutty, buttery notes of the cookies perfectly complement the rich, smooth caramel undertones in a warm latte. The coffee's warmth enhances the toasted pecan flavors.
• Create a delightful dessert combination by placing a warm butter pecan cookie next to a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, sweet ice cream balances the cookie's deep, toasted warmth.
• For an adult twist, enjoy these cookies with a small glass of smooth, slightly woody bourbon. The spirit's caramel and oak hints beautifully echo the browned butter and pecan characteristics.
• The cinnamon in the cookies harmonizes wonderfully with the warm, aromatic spices of a traditional chai tea.

How to Store Butter Pecan Cookies Properly

• Store cooled cookies in a sealed container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days at cool room temperature or 7-10 days in refrigerator.
• Portion cookie dough into balls, place on baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bag. Frozen dough lasts 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Stack completely cooled cookies between wax paper sheets inside freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Why brown the butter?

Browning butter creates a deep, nutty flavor that transforms ordinary cookies into an extraordinary treat. The process caramelizes milk solids, adding complexity and richness to the cookie’s overall taste profile.

• Can I use pre-chopped pecans?

While you can use pre-chopped pecans, toasting whole pecan halves yourself provides a fresher, more intense flavor. Toasting brings out the nuts’ natural oils and enhances their crunchy texture.

• How do I know the butter is properly browned?

Look for a deep amber color and a nutty, slightly toasted aroma. The butter will start to foam and then develop golden-brown specks at the bottom of the pan. Be careful not to burn it, as this can create a bitter taste.

Butter Pecan Cookies – Buttery Bliss in Every Bite

• Craft Toasted Nutty Flavor: Carefully browning butter and toasting pecans creates a rich, deep nutty profile that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Master Gourmet Baking Technique: The recipe introduces advanced browning techniques that transform simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert, perfect for home bakers wanting to expand their culinary skills.
• Customize with Elegant Touches: Optional decorative pecan halves and light sugar dusting allow personal creativity, making each batch unique and visually appealing for special gatherings or gift-giving.
• Prepare Ahead with Ease: Refrigerating the dough enables make-ahead convenience, letting you plan desserts in advance without last-minute stress and ensuring deeper flavor development.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Homemade butter pecan cookies blend Southern comfort with sweet nostalgia, creating irresistible treats that melt in your mouth. Crisp edges, nutty undertones, and rich buttery flavor make these cookies perfect companions for afternoon tea or midnight snacking.

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Ingredients

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• 1.25 cups pecans (finely chopped)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 sticks (8 oz) unsalted butter (browned)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 0.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs and 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
• 16 pecan halves (optional for decoration)

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Instructions

1. Toast pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until lightly golden, stirring occasionally. Set aside for later use.
2. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda in a medium bowl. Reserve this dry mixture.
3. Brown butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it develops a deep amber color and nutty fragrance. Remove immediately from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4. Combine dark brown and granulated sugars with the browned butter, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Add vanilla extract, then incorporate eggs and egg yolk individually, ensuring complete blending after each addition.
6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Carefully mix in the toasted pecans.
7. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Scoop dough into 3-tablespoon portions, spacing them 3 inches apart on prepared sheets. Optional: press a pecan half on top of each cookie.
10. Bake for 10-11 minutes. If cookies spread too much, reshape with a spatula immediately after removing from oven.
11. Optionally dust warm cookies with granulated sugar for extra sweetness.
12. Cool cookies on baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to complete cooling.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cookie texture.
• Brown butter technique provides a deep, rich caramel-like undertone that elevates the entire cookie’s complexity.
• Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing excessive spreading and ensuring a thick, chewy cookie consistency.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain similar texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 182
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 111 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg