Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, buttery flavor and nutty crunch. These classic cookies are golden and crisp around the edges with a soft, chewy center, packed full of toasted pecans. Ideal for holidays, tea time, or simply as a sweet snack, they’re an easy-to-make treat that never fails to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are simple to make and absolutely irresistible.
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Rich buttery taste: The base of this cookie is all about the butter, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Nutty crunch: Chopped pecans throughout add flavor and texture.
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Perfectly sweet: A mix of brown and white sugar gives depth and balance.
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Crowd-pleaser: Great for gifting, gatherings, or any time you need a comforting cookie.
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Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze for fresh cookies on demand.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup pecans, chopped
directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Stir in the chopped pecans evenly.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24 cookies.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Variations
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Toasted pecans: Toast the pecans before adding for a deeper, richer flavor.
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Brown butter: Use browned butter for a more intense nutty taste.
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Cinnamon hint: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for warm spice.
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Chocolate chips: Mix in white or dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
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Sandwich cookies: Use two cookies with a layer of frosting or caramel in between.
storage/reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, place in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To refresh, warm briefly in a 300°F oven for 3–5 minutes for a just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt by half to keep the flavor balanced.
Do I need to chill the dough?
It’s not required, but chilling for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading if your dough is soft.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Are the pecans raw or roasted?
Either works, but roasting enhances their flavor. Toast them at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before chopping.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, scoop into balls, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
What’s the best way to chop pecans?
Use a sharp knife or pulse gently in a food processor for even pieces without turning them into dust.
Can I substitute walnuts?
Yes, walnuts are a great alternative with a similar texture and taste.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store in a sealed container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel inside to maintain moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well for larger batches or events.
What should I serve these with?
A glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or tea makes the perfect pairing for these buttery, nutty cookies.
Conclusion
Butter Pecan Cookies are a timeless, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich buttery base and crunchy pecan pieces, these cookies are full of flavor and texture in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether shared with others or savored solo, these cookies deliver warmth and sweetness every time.
Print
Butter Pecan Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Butter Pecan Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with buttery richness and crunchy pecans. A perfect homemade treat for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
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Fold in the chopped pecans.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Toast the pecans for an even deeper nutty flavor.
For extra richness, you can brown the butter before mixing.
Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
