Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines buttery richness with the irresistible crunch of pecans, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Our Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, and crunchy, making them an ideal choice for pecan enthusiasts or anyone looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as an after-dinner treat, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive in and discover how to make these delicious Butter Pecan Cookies!
Introduction
Butter pecan cookies are a timeless classic, loved by many for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty, buttery flavor. Pecans, native to North America, have long been cherished in various baked goods, with butter pecan being one of the most iconic flavors, especially in Southern cuisine. These cookies offer a simple, comforting dessert that can be whipped up with basic pantry ingredients, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy baking session at home.
With rich brown sugar, creamy butter, and toasted pecans, this cookie recipe brings out the best of its ingredients. The balance of sweetness from the sugars and the depth of flavor from the toasted pecans creates a cookie that’s hard to resist. Plus, the option to press a whole pecan on top adds an extra touch of visual appeal. So, if you’re a fan of traditional Southern flavors or simply love a good cookie, these Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies are a must-try!
Ingredients for Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies
To bake a batch of Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Here’s the complete list:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 12-15 whole pecans for topping (optional)
Substitutions & Variations:
- For gluten-free cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
- For dairy-free cookies: Use a plant-based butter substitute.
- For egg-free cookies: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg).
How to Make Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies – Step by Step
Creating these mouthwatering cookies is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your Butter Pecan Cookies come out perfectly every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The creaming process incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies achieve their soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of the cookies, making them extra delicious.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you’d like to add an extra visual touch, press a whole pecan onto the top of each cookie.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Every oven varies slightly, so keep an eye on the first batch to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies warm, or store them for later.
Helpful Tips for Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies
Want to make sure your Butter Pecan Cookies turn out perfectly? Here are a few helpful tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This allows the ingredients to blend more easily, creating a smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much in the oven, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Toasting the pecans: For an even deeper flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the dough.
Cooking Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies
For that extra edge in making the Best Butter Pecan Cookies, try these expert cooking techniques:
- Baking sheets: Using heavy-duty, non-stick baking sheets can prevent over-browning on the bottom of the cookies.
- Parchment paper: Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated and calibrated correctly. An oven thermometer is a great tool to ensure accurate temperature.
- Pecan topping: If you press a whole pecan onto the cookie dough before baking, slightly press it down to ensure it stays in place without splitting the cookie.
Serving Suggestions for Butter Pecan Cookies
These delightful cookies can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion:
- With Coffee or Tea: Serve these cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a simple yet satisfying treat.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Pair two Butter Pecan Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream for a decadent dessert sandwich.
- Holiday Gift Baskets: These cookies are perfect for holiday baking and can be gifted in decorative tins or bags. Pair them with hot cocoa or a festive drink for the ultimate treat.
- Dessert Table: Add these cookies to your dessert spread for family gatherings, potlucks, or parties. They complement other baked goods like brownies, cakes, and pies.
Nutritional Information for Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter pecan cookies are an indulgent treat, but they also offer some nutritional benefits from the pecans, which are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
Pecans provide essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E, making these cookies a slightly more nutritious option compared to other sugary treats.
Storage and Leftovers for Butter Pecan Cookies
To ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room temperature storage: Store your Butter Pecan Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their soft, chewy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Butter Pecan Cookies
Q1: Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! While pecans provide a rich, buttery flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different twist on this classic recipe.
Q2: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This will help the cookies maintain their structure while staying gluten-free.
Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
Q4: How do I keep the cookies soft?
To keep your Butter Pecan Cookies soft, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The moisture from the bread helps maintain the cookies’ softness.
Related Recipes for Butter Pecan Lovers
If you loved this recipe, you’ll also enjoy these similar butter pecan treats:
Conclusion
There you have it—an easy, delicious recipe for Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies! Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Their buttery, nutty flavor and perfectly crisp edges make them a must-have for any cookie jar. Give them a try, and let us know how they turned out for you. Did you add your own twist to the recipe? Share your feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out our other tasty recipes for more baking inspiration. Happy baking!
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies – Irresistibly Crunchy and Buttery Treats
Description
Welcome, cookie lovers! If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines buttery richness with the irresistible crunch of pecans, you’re in for a delightful surprise. Our Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies recipe is here to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more. These cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy, and crunchy, making them an ideal choice for pecan enthusiasts or anyone looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of tea or as an after-dinner treat, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Let’s dive in and discover how to make these delicious Butter Pecan Cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 12–15 whole pecans for topping (optional)
Substitutions & Variations:
- For gluten-free cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
- For dairy-free cookies: Use a plant-based butter substitute.
- For egg-free cookies: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water for each egg).
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. The creaming process incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies achieve their soft texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the sweetness and depth of the cookies, making them extra delicious.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The pecans add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you’d like to add an extra visual touch, press a whole pecan onto the top of each cookie.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Every oven varies slightly, so keep an eye on the first batch to ensure they don’t overbake.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your Irresistible Butter Pecan Cookies warm, or store them for later.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This allows the ingredients to blend more easily, creating a smoother dough.
- Don’t overmix: Once the flour is added, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you find your cookies spreading too much in the oven, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Toasting the pecans: For an even deeper flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the dough.
