Butter Pecan Cookies: A Perfectly Nutty and Buttery Delight
Butter pecan cookies are a heavenly combination of rich buttery flavor and the nutty goodness of pecans. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. With a crispy edge and a soft, chewy center, these cookies are incredibly satisfying and easy to make.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of making these delightful cookies, ensuring that they turn out perfectly every time. From the lightly toasted pecans to the buttery dough and the finishing touch of a pecan half on top, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cookies
- 1 cup of pecans, chopped
- 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- Pecan halves (for topping each cookie)
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This ensures that the oven reaches the proper temperature by the time your cookie dough is ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and creamy. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring that the butter is thoroughly incorporated with the sugars, resulting in a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Next, add 2 large eggs and 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat the ingredients together for an additional 2 minutes until everything is fully blended. The eggs help give the cookies structure, while the vanilla adds a rich flavor that enhances the buttery goodness of the cookies.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. You want to stop mixing as soon as the flour is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Now, it’s time to add the chopped pecans. Gently fold them into the dough using a spatula. The pecans will provide a delightful crunch in every bite, and their toasty, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the buttery dough.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a medium-sized cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop balls of dough and place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow them to spread as they bake.
Step 7: Add Pecan Halves
Before baking, press a pecan half onto the top of each cookie. This not only adds an extra burst of pecan flavor but also gives the cookies a beautiful presentation.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as they can dry out quickly. The centers should still be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookies are done baking, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cookies on a wire rack helps them maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom. After they’ve cooled, you can enjoy them right away or store them in an airtight container for later.
Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies
Tip 1: Toast Your Pecans for Extra Flavor
Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough can enhance their flavor, making them even nuttier and more fragrant. To toast the pecans, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and aromatic. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as pecans can burn quickly.
Tip 2: Use Room Temperature Butter
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing it with the sugars. Softened butter ensures that it mixes evenly and creates a smoother dough. Cold butter can lead to uneven texture and less spread during baking.
Tip 3: Don’t Overmix the Dough
When adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so it’s important to stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears into the dough.
Tip 4: Chilling the Dough
For a chewier texture, consider chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This allows the dough to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
A: Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to omit the pinch of salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor.
Q: How do I store the cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls before baking and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the dough?
A: Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even shredded coconut to the dough for an extra layer of flavor. Just be mindful not to overfill the dough with too many extras, as it can affect the texture.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers still look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the wire rack.
These Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or gift them to friends and family, they’re sure to be a hit. The combination of rich, buttery dough and crunchy pecans makes them irresistible. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect blend of nutty sweetness!