Name: Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups (195g) chopped pecans; 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (200g) packed dark or light brown sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar, for rolling; Sea salt, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe

If you’re the kind of person who swoons at the caramelized scent of toasted pecans and can’t resist a soft, decadent cookie, you’re in for a treat! These Butter Pecan Cookies are a love letter to everything warm, nutty, and buttery—all beautifully wrapped up in a cookie that’s crisp at the edges, thick in the center, and absolutely bursting with toasty flavor. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping treat for holiday gatherings, comforting weekday sweets, or just an excuse to nibble on something divine with your afternoon coffee, this is the recipe you’ll come back to time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Butter Pecan Cookies lies in a handful of staple ingredients, each playing a starring role in taste and texture. It’s the right mix of rich butter, chunky pecans, and a balance of sugars that gives every bite its unforgettable flavor and golden glow.

Chopped pecans: The heart of the cookie—toast them for extra flavor and crunch!
Unsalted butter, softened: This is what makes the cookies so tender and rich; room temperature butter is key for proper creaming.
Granulated sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps the cookies brown just right.
Packed dark or light brown sugar: Brings a caramel depth and chewiness—dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor, light is slightly milder.
Eggs, at room temperature: Binds everything together; room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the dough for even texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out all the nutty, buttery flavors and amps up the homemade aroma.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies—spoon and level for accurate measurement.
Cornstarch: The secret to extra softness and that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Baking soda: Helps each cookie rise just enough to be soft and thick in the middle.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the pecan’s flavor.
Granulated sugar (for rolling): Optional, but irresistible for a sparkly, slightly crisp exterior.
Sea salt (for sprinkling): If you like a salty-sweet finish, a pinch of flaky salt is pure magic.

How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Begin by spreading your chopped pecans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Toast them gently at 300°F (149°C) for about 15 minutes, stirring a couple of times so they brown evenly. This brings out their natural oils, giving your Butter Pecan Cookies a bold, roasted flavor you just can’t fake. Once golden and aromatic, let them cool while you prep the rest. Don’t skip this step—it’s where the cookie’s personality truly shines!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl (if you’re using a stand mixer, grab the paddle attachment), beat your softened butter for a solid minute until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in both sugars and beat on medium-high until you see a fluffy, lightened mixture staring back at you. This step makes the base dreamy and gives the cookies a gorgeous, tender crumb. Next, add in the eggs and that glorious vanilla extract. Mix until everything’s homogenous, pausing to scrape down the bowl as needed. The secret is patience—it’s worth it!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed—no lumps of baking soda in your final bites! Slowly add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture with your mixer on low. The dough will become thick and sturdy, which is exactly what you want for hearty Butter Pecan Cookies. Add the cooled pecans and give everything a final, gentle mix. Be careful not to overmix; you want the pecans swirled throughout without crushing them.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Here comes the hardest part: patience! Cover your bowl tightly with foil or plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours (or up to 3 days if life gets busy). Chilling lets the flour hydrate and all those flavors meld together, plus it helps keep your cookies from spreading too much in the oven. When you’re ready to bake, let the chilled dough sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften slightly—this will make scooping a breeze.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it between your hands to form balls. If you want a bit of sparkle, roll each ball in extra granulated sugar for that classic twinkle when they bake up. Alternatively—or in addition!—you can hold back on the sugar and plan to sprinkle a flake of sea salt on top after baking for that perfect bakery style touch. Either way, place your dough balls on lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and slide your trays in. Bake for 11–12 minutes (or a minute or two longer if you like crispier edges), rotating the pans halfway through for even color and texture. Keep in mind, the cookies will look super soft and a tad underbaked in the center when you pull them out. Trust the process—they’ll set up as they cool. After 5 minutes, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely…or sneak one warm for ultimate bliss!

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A little finishing flourish can turn Butter Pecan Cookies into true showstoppers. Dust with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for that trendy salty-sweet combo, or go the classic route and sprinkle with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate look. Even a drizzle of melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white) across the top will bring them festive flair when you want to impress.

Side Dishes

Honestly, Butter Pecan Cookies are a show all on their own, but you can create a dream dessert spread by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a steaming mug of your favorite coffee or chai latte. For a cozy winter vibe, try serving alongside spiced hot chocolate or caramel lattes.

Creative Ways to Present

When gifting, stack the cookies in cellophane bags and tie with a bright ribbon, or nestle them in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper. Want to go all out? Create a “cookie sandwich” by spreading a dollop of caramel or maple buttercream between two cookies. For parties, Butter Pecan Cookies look adorable on a rustic wooden tray, scattered with a few extra toasted pecans as edible decor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Butter Pecan Cookies stay fresh for up to a week if kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Their flavors actually deepen after a day or two, so don’t worry if you have extras! If you live in a humid environment, adding a slice of sandwich bread to the container can help maintain softness.

Freezing

To freeze, roll the unbaked dough into balls and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. You can bake straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the bake time. Baked cookies also freeze beautifully; wrap them individually and thaw at room temp whenever you get a craving!

Reheating

If you want that just-baked warmth, pop cooled Butter Pecan Cookies in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 2–3 minutes, or microwave for about 10 seconds. This little boost brings back their fresh-from-the-oven aroma and slightly softens the centers, just like new.

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the dough?

This step is key! Chilling solidifies the butter, prevents the cookies from overspreading, and lets all those wonderful flavors meld together for a richer, deeper taste.

Can I use regular salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or skip the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty dough. Unsalted butter gives you full control over the flavor balance in your Butter Pecan Cookies.

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Walnuts or hazelnuts could work in a pinch, but to keep that classic flavor and texture, stick to pecans when possible. They toast up buttery and pair perfectly with the dough!

Do I really have to toast the pecans?

Absolutely! Toasting intensifies the nutty aroma and prevents the pecans from becoming soggy in the cookie. It’s worth the extra step and only takes about 15 minutes.

How do I get my cookies perfectly thick and chewy?

Chill your dough thoroughly, don’t overbake (the centers should look underdone), and use a mix of white and brown sugar. These tricks guarantee that signature Butter Pecan Cookies texture!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow friends (and yourself) with the best buttery, nut-packed cookies you’ve ever tasted, give these Butter Pecan Cookies a try. There’s just something about their rich, nostalgic flavor that brings joy to any moment—don’t be surprised if they become your new go-to treat!

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious butter pecan cookies with a crispy edge and a soft center, loaded with toasted pecans and a hint of sea salt. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to afternoon snacks.

Instructions

To Toast Pecans: Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Toast chopped pecans on a lined baking sheet for 15 minutes, stirring twice. Set aside.
Prepare Cookie Dough: Beat butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Add toasted pecans, chill dough for at least 3 hours.
Shape and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll dough into balls, coat with sugar if desired. Bake for 11-12 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Cool on a wire rack.