These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are crispy on the edges, chewy in the middle, and packed with the rich flavor of butter-toasted pecans. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious homemade cookie that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love These Butter Pecan Cookies
- Rich Flavor: Toasted pecans and buttery dough make these cookies irresistibly flavorful.
- Quick to Make: Simple steps and a quick bake time make this recipe perfect for busy days.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies stay fresh, making them ideal for sharing or holiday treats!
Ingredients for Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted (see instructions below)
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer (optional but helpful)
How to Make Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
- Toast the Pecans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Form the Cookie Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the toasted pecans.
- Chill the Dough (Optional)
- For thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. This step is optional but helps prevent spreading.
- Bake the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (if not still preheated). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or tea. They also make great additions to cookie gift boxes or holiday platters!
Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies
- Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, quality pecans make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Customize the Texture: For crispier cookies, bake a few minutes longer; for softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough balls or baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or bake frozen dough for a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use salted butter?
- Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
Q2: Can I add chocolate chips?
- Absolutely! Chocolate chips or chunks make a delicious addition to these cookies.
Q3: Can I skip toasting the pecans?
- Toasting the pecans brings out their flavor but can be skipped if you’re in a rush.
A Cookie Classic with a Nutty Twist!
These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat, perfect for cozy evenings, special occasions, or just because! Whip up a batch and enjoy the warm, buttery flavors with family and friends.
Happy baking!
