If you’ve ever tasted a warm, freshly baked cookie that practically melts in your mouth, then you’re already imagining these Butter Pecan Cookies. The rich, buttery base, toasted pecans, and a hint of vanilla will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Trust me, you’re going to love this! These cookies are perfect for cozy afternoons, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something sweet, comforting, and utterly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love Butter Pecan Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating little moments of happiness. Here’s why these cookies are a favorite:
- Irresistibly Buttery: The combination of butter and pecans creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s absolutely addictive.
- Quick and Simple: With straightforward steps and no need for fancy equipment, anyone can bake these beauties—no experience required.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, filling up a cookie jar, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are always a hit.
- Customizable: If you want to add a twist, throw in a handful of chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The warm, nutty, and buttery flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family get-togethers or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients in Butter Pecan Cookies
Let’s dive into the simple ingredients that make these cookies extraordinary:
- Butter: The base of the cookie dough. This is what makes these cookies so rich and tender, with that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans give the cookies a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the dough structure, but it’s soft enough to keep the cookies light and airy.
- Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar brings the right balance of sweetness and depth to the cookies.
- Eggs: Eggs add richness and help bind everything together, giving the cookies that perfect chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in rounding out the flavor of the cookies.
- Baking Soda: To help the cookies rise and achieve that soft, chewy consistency.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now that we have everything we need, let’s make these cookies:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring the cookies bake evenly and turn golden brown.
Toast the Pecans
In a dry pan, toast the pecans over medium heat until they’re fragrant and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. This extra step deepens the nutty flavor, making the cookies even more irresistible.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will give your cookies that soft texture we all crave.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue to mix until everything is well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking soda. Slowly add this to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies might become dense.
Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the toasted pecans. The nutty bits should be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Dough
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread a bit as they bake, so make sure they have room to grow.
Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect balance of crispness on the outside and chewy softness on the inside.
Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Then, dig in and enjoy the warm, buttery goodness!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but they also pair perfectly with:
- A Hot Beverage: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea to enhance the cozy vibe.
- A Scoop of Ice Cream: Place a warm cookie on top of a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- A Glass of Milk: There’s something about the combo of milk and cookies that just feels like home.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prep the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop and bake!
- Chill the Dough: If you like thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze wonderfully, so you can enjoy them anytime!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the pecans for other nuts? A1: Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would work just as well if you want to change things up.
Q2: Can I make these cookies without brown sugar? A2: Yes, but the brown sugar adds a bit of richness. You can use all granulated sugar instead if you prefer.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.
Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A4: Yes! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips? A5: Of course! Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for a chocolate-pecan combo.
Q6: Can I double the recipe? A6: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or multiple sheets, and you may need to bake in batches.
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill your kitchen with the comforting smell of fresh cookies. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!
PrintButter Pecan Cookies
These Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect blend of nutty, buttery, and sweet, with toasted pecans and a hint of cinnamon that makes them absolutely irresistible! The browned butter takes them to the next level of flavor, while a sprinkling of Maldon sea salt adds the finishing touch. Perfect for cookie lovers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
- Total Time: 22-24 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Toasted Pecans:
- 1 ¼ cups pecan halves, finely chopped
- 2 Tablespoons butter
Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temp
- 1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temp
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons corn starch
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: Maldon flake sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Toast Pecans:
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. - Brown Butter:
In a separate pan, melt 1 stick of butter over medium heat. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally until the butter turns an amber golden color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and chill for 5 minutes. - Make Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add the melted brown butter and stir until combined. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract. Then mix in the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon until just combined. Stir in the toasted pecans. Optionally, chill the dough for up to 30 minutes. - Prepare Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Bake Cookies:
Scoop dough onto the baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown while the centers are still slightly doughy. - Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then sprinkle with Maldon sea salt, if desired. Transfer to a cooling rack and enjoy with a cold glass of milk!
Notes
- For an extra touch of flavor, try adding a handful of chocolate chips.
- These cookies are perfect for gifting or for your next holiday gathering!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg