Butter Pecan Cookies

Oh wow, the smell of butter melting with toasted pecans is just dreamy. It fills the kitchen with this warm, nutty sweetness. I knew right then these cookies were going to be special.

I made them one afternoon, and the first bite was soft, rich, and a little crunchy from the pecans. They felt so cozy, like a hug in cookie form. Everyone who tried them couldn’t stop at one.

You’ll love how simple they are, yet they taste like something from a bakery. Buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet. These cookies are made for sharing… or maybe keeping just for you.

So, let’s bake them together. I’ll walk you through how I make butter pecan cookies at home. Trust me, you’ll want these in your cookie jar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: These cookies are always a hit! People love the combo of butter, pecans, and toffee, which brings a comforting, nostalgic flavor.
• Crispy Yet Chewy: The balance between crispy edges and soft centers makes these cookies the perfect texture.
• Packed with Flavor: The toasty pecans combined with the sweet buttery dough and a touch of sea salt create a flavor bomb.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be chilled up to 2 hours, and the cookies keep well for days after baking.
• Perfect for Gift Giving: Package these cookies up and they make a great homemade gift for the holidays or birthdays.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the delicious recipe, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Baking Sheets: You’ll need two baking sheets for this recipe.
• Parchment Paper or Silpat Mats: To prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
• Mixer (Hand or Stand): A hand mixer or stand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar together easier, but you can also do it by hand with a whisk.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few bowls, one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key for getting that perfect cookie texture.
• Cookie Scoop: A scoop ensures that the cookies are uniform in size and bake evenly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these rich and buttery cookies (measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

• Pecan Halves: The star of the show. You’ll toast these for extra depth of flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter is the base of these cookies and gives them that delicious, rich flavor.
• Dark Brown Sugar: The molasses in dark brown sugar adds a deep sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and to help with the cookies’ texture.
• Egg and Egg Yolk: Both add richness and contribute to the cookies’ soft, chewy centers.
• Vanilla Extract: A must for that warm, comforting flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure of the dough.
• Cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: For leavening, giving the cookies a nice rise.
• Salt: Just a touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Heath Toffee Bits (Optional): These bits add a delicious crunch and extra sweetness but are totally optional.
• Flaky Sea Salt (Optional): A sprinkle on top of the cookies gives a lovely contrast to the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Pecans

Start by toasting the pecans to bring out their rich, nutty flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning! Once toasted, set them aside to cool and then chop them into smaller pieces.

2. Make the Cookie Dough

Cream the Butter and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the melted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies have a chewy texture.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

Next, add in the whole egg and egg yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. The eggs give the cookies structure and moisture, while the vanilla adds that comforting, sweet aroma.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the dough begins to come together.

Add the Toasted Pecans:

Fold the chopped toasted pecans (and toffee bits, if using) into the dough. Be sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

3. Chill the Dough

Once the dough is fully mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking and ensures a chewy texture. If you have time, you can chill the dough for up to 2 hours.

4. Preheat and Scoop

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or Silpat mats. Use a cookie scoop to portion out 1.5-2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

5. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. If you like them a little crispier, bake for a few extra minutes.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want a little extra flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies while they’re still warm. The salt will enhance the buttery flavor and make them even more irresistible.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can also be enjoyed in various ways:

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for the ultimate treat.
• As a Gift: Package them in a cute tin or jar and give them as a thoughtful gift to friends or family.
• As a Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple but decadent dessert.
• In a Cookie Box: Make a mixed batch of cookies and include these alongside chocolate chip or oatmeal cookies for a fun, variety-filled gift box.

Storing Butter Pecan Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and chewy.
• Freezing: If you want to store the dough for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the baked cookies, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy whenever you want a sweet snack.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutritional value per cookie:

Nutrition	Amount per Serving
Calories	190
Total Fat	11g
Saturated Fat	2g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	105mg
Total Carbohydrates	23g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	15g
Protein	2g

Keep in mind that nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portions.

Conclusion

Butter Pecan Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of rich butter, toasted nuts, and sweet toffee. These cookies are easy to make, customizable with optional add-ins, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself, these cookies will be a hit every time you bake them!

Butter Pecan Cookies FAQ

What makes butter pecan cookies different from regular cookies?
A: The key is the toasted pecans and rich butter base. They give the cookies a nutty, buttery flavor that’s cozy and unique.

Do I need to toast the pecans first?
Yes, toasting brings out the nutty flavor. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes the cookies taste so much better.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely. Just add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Salted butter works too, but taste the dough before baking.

How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?
Don’t overbake them. Take them out when the edges are just golden. They’ll finish setting as they cool.

Can I freeze butter pecan cookies?
Yes! You can freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze the dough balls and bake later. Just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Do these cookies spread a lot while baking?
They spread a little, but chilling the dough helps. If you like thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least an hour.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Definitely! White chocolate chips taste amazing with pecans. Dark chocolate works too if you like less sweetness.

How long do butter pecan cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay soft for 4–5 days. If you want them longer, freezing is the best option.