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Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

4.3 from 58 reviews

Delight in these classic Butter Pecan Cookies featuring a tender buttery base mixed with toasted pecans for a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting homemade treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy to create a smooth cookie base.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate them fully, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  5. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted chopped pecans to evenly distribute the crunchy nuts throughout the dough.
  6. Scoop Dough: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them sufficiently to allow for spreading during baking.
  7. Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, signaling they are perfectly baked.
  8. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.

Notes

  • Room temperature butter and eggs help achieve a creamy batter and even baking.
  • Toast pecans before folding them in to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Do not overmix the dough once flour is added to avoid tough cookies.
  • Spacing dough balls well on the baking sheet prevents cookies from merging while baking.
  • For chewy cookies, slightly underbake and allow to cool on the sheet; for crisper cookies, bake a little longer.

Keywords: butter pecan cookies, toasted pecans, classic cookie recipe, homemade cookies, buttery cookies