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Buttery Pecan Cookies Recipe

4.6 from 109 reviews

Delight in these classic Butter Pecan Cookies, a perfect blend of rich, buttery dough combined with crunchy, toasted pecans, resulting in a soft yet crisp cookie bursting with nutty flavor. Ideal for a cozy treat or sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer at medium speed.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined and smooth.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing at low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set but still soft.
  9. Cool Cookies: Remove baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes before chopping.
  • Use room temperature butter and egg for best mixing results.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • To make cookies chewier, slightly underbake by one minute.
  • Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture.

Keywords: butter pecan cookies, pecan cookies, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, classic American cookies