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Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 140 reviews

This Easy Butter Pecan Cookies recipe features buttery, soft cookies loaded with toasted pecans for a rich, nutty flavor. Simple to prepare with common ingredients, these cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, ideal for any occasion or dessert craving.

Ingredients

Scale

Toasted Pecans

  • 1½ cups pecans, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Toast Pecans: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the chopped pecans and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Toast the pecans in the skillet, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Make Dough: In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 large room-temperature eggs one at a time, then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Finally, fold in the cooled toasted pecans evenly throughout the dough.
  3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Ensure the pecans are completely cool before folding into the dough to avoid melting the butter in the dough.
  • Room temperature eggs help with better mixing and cookie texture.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred.
  • For chewier cookies, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: butter pecan cookies, toasted pecans, homemade cookies, easy cookie recipe, nutty cookies, dessert