Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking to win hearts and taste buds, you can’t go wrong with Butter Pecan Cookies. These cookies are the perfect blend of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans, making them a classic dessert choice. Seriously, who doesn’t love the nutty flavor paired with rich butter? They’re perfect for a cozy night in or to impress friends at a gathering. 🥳
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Making these cookies is easier than you think! Follow this simple guide, and you’ll be munching on warm, delicious cookies in no time. Here’s the breakdown for your baking adventure:
- Gather your ingredients – Make sure you have everything on hand to avoid any last-minute dashes to the store.
- Get your prep on – Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). The magic starts here!
- Creaming time – You’ll want to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until it’s all light and fluffy. Think cloud-like consistency. ☁️
- Mix in the essentials – Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Your kitchen will start smelling divine—just saying!
- Dry ingredients unite – In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; then gradually mix this into the butter-sugar mixture to form a soft dough. No overmixing, please!
- Add the pecans – Fold in those chopped pecans gently. We want them to stay chunky and give your cookies a satisfying crunch.
- Let it chill – Chill that dough in the fridge for about an hour. Patience is key here!
- Shape up – Scoop the dough, roll it into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between them; they need to spread out a bit.
- Bake it up – Pop those bad boys in the oven and bake until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft, about 9–12 minutes. Don’t open the oven door too soon!
- Cool it – Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to whip up these delightful cookies:
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Light brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chopped pecans
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with some vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee. Imagine biting into a warm cookie while sipping on your favorite beverage—pure bliss! Want to impress? Try drizzling a bit of melted chocolate on top. Major wow factor! 😍
How to Store Butter Pecan Cookies
Got leftovers? (If you have any left after baking, that is!) Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last even longer, pop them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for about a month—just make sure to label your container. Cookie lovers need their snacks, right?
Tips to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
- Use room temperature butter for the best creaming results. Cold butter makes things a bit tricky!
- Don’t skip the chilling step; it really helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Adjust the sweetness—if you prefer more nuttiness, add extra chopped pecans instead of more sugar.
- Check for doneness! The cookies should look soft in the center; that’s a sign they’re perfectly baked.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts or even chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter. The world is your oyster—or cookie, in this case!
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Sure, but keep in mind it might alter the cookie’s flavor a bit. If you go this route, consider reducing or omitting the added salt.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking.
3. What if I don’t like pecans?
No worries! Substitute with your favorite nuts or even raisins. Get creative—it’s your cookie!
Baking Butter Pecan Cookies is not only a treat for your taste buds but also an enjoyable way to get a little messy in the kitchen. Have fun and happy baking! 🍪

Butter Pecan Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Gather your ingredients.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter-sugar mixture to form a soft dough.
- Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
- Chill the dough in the fridge for about an hour.
- Scoop the dough, roll it into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for about 9–12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.
