Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

Butter Pecan Cookies are everything a cookie lover dreams about: they’re rich and buttery, packed with toasted pecans, tinged with a warm hint of cinnamon, and just the right amount of chewy and crisp. These cookies are beloved for their irresistible combination of gooey centers, caramelized edges, and nutty crunch in every bite. If you’re searching for the ultimate treat to share with family or impress at a bake sale, Butter Pecan Cookies are sure to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Butter Pecan Cookies lies in how a handful of staple ingredients work their magic together. Each one is a building block for that unforgettable flavor, and even small tweaks can make a big difference. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):

• Butter (1 cup, unsalted, melted & cooled): This is what gives the cookies their signature richness and depth; using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread and get perfectly crisp edges.
• Brown sugar (1 cup): For a soft, chewy middle with lovely caramel undertones—don’t skimp here!
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together while keeping the dough irresistibly tender.
• Vanilla extract (1.5 tsp): Rounds out the flavor with a cozy, fragrant note.
• All-purpose flour (2.5 cups): Provides classic structure and chewiness.
• Cinnamon powder (1 tsp): A secret weapon that adds subtle warmth and makes the pecans shine.
• Cornstarch (1 tsp): Keeps the texture soft and gives the cookies a little lift.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Ensures the cookies puff up just enough while baking.
• Baking powder (½ tsp): Supports the lift and tender bite.
• Pecans (1.5 cups, roughly chopped, toasted): The real showstopper—toast them for extra flavor.
• Toffee bits (½ cup, optional): Stir in for pockets of buttery crunch and a hint of extra sweetness.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted (but cooled) butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy; this process infuses air into the dough, giving your Butter Pecan Cookies that perfect tender crumb and delicious flavor base.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This not only binds the mixture but also deepens the classic buttery vanilla background of the cookies.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder all at once. Stir until just combined—overmixing at this stage can make the cookies tough, so cozy up to the idea of a few streaks of flour left in the dough.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans and Toffee Bits

Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans (and toffee bits, if using). Make sure every scoop of dough gets some of those pecan treasures—the mix-ins are what distinguish Butter Pecan Cookies from any ordinary batch.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Pop the bowl of dough into the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes. The dough will become easier to handle, less sticky, and the resting time will enhance the flavors while ensuring thick, bakery-style cookies when baked.

Step 6: Shape into Balls

Scoop spoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Don’t worry if the chilled dough feels a bit crumbly—your warm hands will pull it all together. If you’d like, roll each in granulated sugar for an extra sparkly finish. This is a fun step if you have kids or helpers in the kitchen!

Step 7: Arrange and Bake

Set the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, allowing plenty of space for spreading. Bake at 350 degrees F for 11 to 14 minutes. The edges should turn golden and crisp, while the centers stay poofy and soft (they’ll settle as they cool). If they don’t flatten quite enough, use the back of a spoon to gently press them down while still warm.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

Garnishes

The moment you pull Butter Pecan Cookies out of the oven is the perfect time to sprinkle on a little love. Try an extra handful of chopped toasted pecans on top, a dusting of cinnamon sugar for sparkle, or even a quick drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate. These tiny touches make your cookies look as wonderful as they taste.

Side Dishes

For a truly indulgent experience, pair your cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of strong coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re aiming for an elegant dessert platter, gather a selection of fresh berries or even a few pieces of good-quality dark chocolate to serve alongside your batch of Butter Pecan Cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Butter Pecan Cookies up a notch by gifting them in a mason jar layered with brown parchment, stacking them into a tiered cookie tower, or tucking them into a rustic basket lined with a gingham cloth for a picnic. These cookies also make lovely holiday gifts wrapped in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon—suddenly, you’re everyone’s favorite neighbor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter Pecan Cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their slightly crisp edges and chewy centers, consider slipping a slice of bread into the container to keep them from drying out—they’ll taste oven-fresh for days.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked dough balls. Layer the cookies or dough between sheets of parchment paper and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When the craving strikes, let the frozen dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as directed.

Reheating

Nothing beats a warm Butter Pecan Cookie! To refresh leftover cookies, pop them in a 300-degree F oven for a few minutes until just warmed through, or give them 8–10 seconds in the microwave. They’ll be gooey and fragrant, as if you just pulled them from the oven.

FAQs

Can I substitute walnuts or another nut for pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans deliver that classic, cozy flavor, you can easily swap in walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for variety. Just be sure to toast them for the best flavor and crunch.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is best for Butter Pecan Cookies because it lets you control the saltiness of the finished product. If you do use salted butter, just reduce the added salt in your recipe.

Can I make these cookies without toffee bits?

Definitely! The toffee bits are totally optional—they add extra sweetness and a little crunch, but the Butter Pecan Cookies will still taste wonderful and classic without them.

How do I toast pecans for this recipe?

Spread the chopped pecans in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Let them cool before folding into the dough.

What makes these cookies deflate in the center?

The cookies puff up while baking due to the baking soda and baking powder, then settle as they cool, creating that chewy, dense center we all love in Butter Pecan Cookies. This is totally normal and part of their signature texture!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’ll have friends and family raving for days, you simply have to try these Butter Pecan Cookies. They’re pure comfort in a bite, cozy and delicious for any occasion. Gather your ingredients, toast those pecans, and let the magic begin—your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!

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