If you love rich, buttery cookies with a nutty crunch, these Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are a must-try! They’re crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with toasted pecans and buttery goodness. Perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, or anytime you crave a sweet treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples.
- Buttery & Crunchy – A perfect balance of soft and crisp.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough can be prepped in advance.
- No Chill Time Required – Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened) – For rich, buttery flavor.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup) – Balances the sweetness.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups) – The base of the cookies.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances sweetness.
- Pecans (¾ cup, chopped & toasted) – Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
How to Make Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.
Step 6: Scoop & Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cookies
- A glass of milk or coffee
- Vanilla ice cream for a cookie sandwich
- Caramel drizzle for extra indulgence
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze Dough: Shape dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to a pinch.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Nope! These cookies bake beautifully without chilling.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a twist.
Conclusion
These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are buttery, nutty, and downright delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or a simple treat, they’re guaranteed to impress!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g

Butter Pecan Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Description
If you love rich, buttery cookies with a nutty crunch, these Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are a must-try! They’re crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with toasted pecans and buttery goodness. Perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, or anytime you crave a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened) – For rich, buttery flavor.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup, packed) – Adds moisture and deep caramel notes.
- Granulated Sugar (¼ cup) – Balances the sweetness.
- Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the dough.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ¼ cups) – The base of the cookies.
- Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances sweetness.
- Pecans (¾ cup, chopped & toasted) – Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.
Step 6: Scoop & Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Store: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze Dough: Shape dough into balls and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
- Freeze Baked Cookies: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American