Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter Pecan Cookies are rich, nutty, and perfectly crisp around the edges with a tender center. Toasted pecans combined with buttery dough create a warm, caramel-like flavor that makes these cookies a cozy and irresistible treat. They’re great for holiday cookie trays or everyday indulgence, pairing wonderfully with a cup of coffee or milk.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

unsalted butterbrown sugarsugarvanilla extracteggsall-purpose flourbaking sodasaltchopped pecans

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let cool.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Fold in the toasted pecans evenly.

Scoop the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set.

Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Toasting pecans: 5-7 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.

Stir in white or dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent version.

Substitute maple extract for vanilla to enhance the nutty flavor.

Use browned butter instead of regular butter for deeper caramel notes.

storage/reheating

Store Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To refresh them, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt by half to balance the flavor.

Do I have to toast the pecans?

Toasting enhances their flavor, but you can use raw pecans if you’re short on time.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, portion the dough and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

Why are my cookies flat?

Over-softened butter or warm dough can cause spreading—chill the dough if needed.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What makes these cookies chewy?

The brown sugar and proper baking time help maintain a chewy texture in the center.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly—less for smaller, more for larger cookies.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They are sweet but balanced by the richness of the pecans and butter.

Can I use other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or macadamia nuts can be used, but pecans provide the best traditional flavor.

Do these work for holiday gifting?

Absolutely—they store well and hold their shape, making them ideal for cookie boxes.

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Cookies bring together the warm flavors of toasted nuts and buttery dough for a cookie that’s both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or treating yourself on a weekday, these cookies are a timeless classic that always satisfies.