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Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 129 reviews

Delight in these classic Butter Pecan Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery base studded with toasted pecans for a perfect balance of rich flavor and satisfying crunch. Ideal as a sweet treat for any occasion, these cookies are baked to golden perfection and bring a comforting homemade touch to your dessert table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Add-ins

  • 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn. Remove and set aside to cool.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add Eggs: Beat the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
  6. Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans to the dough, distributing them evenly without breaking them down too much.
  7. Shape & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, spacing them adequately to allow spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  8. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Notes

  • Be sure to toast the pecans to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
  • You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
  • If you prefer softer cookies, reduce baking time slightly.
  • For a nuttier taste, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.

Keywords: Butter Pecan Cookies, pecan cookies, homemade cookies, buttery cookies, toasted pecans, classic American dessert