Introduction
There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of cookies baking in the oven — especially when those cookies are rich, buttery, and packed with crunchy pecans. Butter pecan cookies are a beloved classic, cherished for their warm, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking a batch for a family gathering, sharing them as a holiday treat, or indulging in a cozy night at home, these cookies never fail to impress.
What makes butter pecan cookies truly special is the perfect harmony of browned butter flavor, caramel-like brown sugar sweetness, and the rustic crunch of toasted pecans. They are incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable with fun additions like chocolate chips, spices, or drizzles.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to bake the ultimate butter pecan cookies — from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to creative variations, pro tips, and answers to your most common baking questions. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a traditional batch of butter pecan cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted, if desired)
- Optional: Sea salt flakes for topping
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies. Toasting the pecans before mixing them into the dough adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy — this step is key to achieving soft, tender cookies.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies dense and tough.
Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans using a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. For extra texture, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking.
Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store once cooled.
Variations
Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies
Add ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) for a rich, melty twist on the original recipe. Chocolate and pecans make an unforgettable combo.
Cinnamon-Spiced Pecan Cookies
Mix in ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for a cozy, autumnal flavor that pairs beautifully with the nuttiness of the pecans.
Maple Butter Pecan Cookies
Replace the vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of maple extract for a deep, comforting sweetness that complements the brown sugar and pecans.
Coconut-Pecan Cookies
Fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut for added chewiness and tropical flair.
Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cookies
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests. Make sure the other ingredients (especially baking soda) are certified gluten-free.
Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for proper creaming with sugar, which results in a lighter, more even cookie texture.
- Toast the pecans in a skillet or oven before adding them to the dough to deepen their flavor and enhance their crunch.
- Chill the dough for 30–60 minutes if you want thicker cookies with less spread.
- Don’t overbake. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out — they’ll finish setting as they cool.
- Store correctly. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve freshness and softness for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Butter pecan cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for added crunch and flavor.
- Package them as edible gifts for birthdays, holidays, or housewarmings.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to ¼ teaspoon to balance the flavor.
How long do butter pecan cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 7 days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely. Shape the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Should I toast the pecans before adding them to the dough?
While optional, toasting enhances the nutty flavor and adds crunch. Toast at 350°F (180°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, then cool before mixing into the dough.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes. For smaller cookies, use a teaspoon-sized scoop and bake 8–9 minutes. For larger cookies, use a 3-tablespoon scoop and bake 13–14 minutes.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
They’re soft and chewy in the center with lightly crisped edges — a perfect balance!
Final Thoughts
Butter pecan cookies bring together the best of buttery richness and nutty crunch in every bite. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven, gifted to loved ones, or tucked into a holiday dessert spread, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfaction.
What makes this recipe special isn’t just the combination of ingredients, but the memories and moments they help create. It’s the kind of cookie that evokes tradition, comfort, and pure homemade joy.