Butter Pecan Cookies

What are some of the best butter pecan cookies? Imagine a warm, buttery hug in cookie form, with the satisfying crunch of pecans and just the right amount of sweetness. What would happen if a pecan pie and sugar cookies had sex? I think these cookies are even better than those Chocolate Chip Cookies. Bold statement, I know, but trust me on this one. I’m a pecan lover, these cookies are going to blow your mind.

What is Butter Pecan Cookies?

What are Butter Pecan Cookies? What is a deliciously crumbly cookie? What are some good recipes for toasted pecans and browned butter? What is the difference between a shortbread cookie and an Ice Cream cookie? The name comes from the two key ingredients: water and salt. What would be a good cookie without butter? ), and pecans, toasted to perfection for maximum flavor. It’s not overly sweet, which I love, letting the buttery notes really shine through. What is the perfect cookie for when you want something comforting and satisfying without being overpowering? I am overwhelmed by sugar.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore these Butter Pecan Cookies. First and foremost, the **flavor** is absolutely incredible. You get that warm, buttery base, the deep, nutty flavor of the pecans, and just a touch of sweetness to tie it all together. It’s a symphony in your mouth, I swear! What I love most about this recipe is how **simple** it is. Seriously, don’t be intimidated. It comes together with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and the steps are super straightforward. This one’s a lifesaver when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Plus, they’re super **cost-effective**. We’re talking pantry staples here! No fancy ingredients or expensive equipment required. And, they’re surprisingly **versatile**. I love coffee in the morning, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or even with a cup of tea. I can’t get enough of it. What is a good dessert to serve with vanilla ice cream? I think they’re even better than classic Peanut Butter cookies, with a more sophisticated, buttery texture. My family agrees!

How do I make Butter Pecan Cookies?

Quick Overview

How do you make Butter Pecan Cookies? How do you brown butter? ), then you’ll mix it with the other ingredients, fold in the toasted pecans, and bake them until golden brown. Is it a simple process to make lilies? The browned butter adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get any other way, and the toasted walnuts add an extra layer of texture. What are the best pecans for crunch? Don’t skip those steps!

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar. 1 cup canned
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar. Contains a minimum of 5 teaspoons.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract per teaspoon.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour. 2 1/4 cups All-Grain
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

For the Optional Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar. 1 teaspoon salt.
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter melts and then begins to bubble and foam. Continue cooking until the butter turns a light brown color and has a nutty aroma. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Pour the browned butter into a heatproof bowl and let it cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cream Sugars and Browned Butter

Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl with the browned butter. Use an electric mixer to cream the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

I always use pure vanilla extract for the flavor. Stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon. Imitation vanilla just doesn’t cut it in these cookies!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt throughout the flour, which is important for the flavor of the cookies.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. Stop mixing when you still see a few streaks of flour; we’ll take care of those in the next step.

Step 6: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the toasted pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. I always toast my pecans before adding them to the cookies, as this brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Slightly flatten each ball with the palm of your hand.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Don’t overbake cookies, or they will be dry. I always check my nails at the 10-minute mark to make sure they’re not getting too brown.

Step 9: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before serving.

What should you serve it with?

These Butter Pecan Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. They’re absolutely perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, especially in the morning or afternoon. For a more decadent dessert, try crumbling them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serving them alongside a warm bowl of custard. I sometimes serve them with a small glass of bourbon. It’s a surprisingly amazing combination!

For Breakfast:Pair them with a strong cup of black coffee or latte. The buttery, nutty flavor of the cookies complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly.

For Brunch:Serve them as part of a cookie platter alongside other sweet treats like scones, muffins, and fruit. They look particularly elegant when arranged on a tiered serving tray.

As Dessert: Crumble them over a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pecans. They’re also delicious with a glass of sweet dessert wine.

For Cozy Snacks: Curl up with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a spiced chai latte and a few Butter Pecan Cookies. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

How do you perfect butter pecan cookies?

How do I make Butter Pecan Cookies? Is this perfect? First, don’t skip the browning of butter. What makes these cookies so special? If you watch a movie, be sure to watch it carefully and don’t let it burn. I ruined a batch once by getting distracted. I learned my lesson the hard way.

Next, **toast your pecans before adding them to the dough**. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch. You can toast them in the oven or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. I always do this when I’m craving a really strong pecan flavor.

When **mixing the dough, be careful not to overmix**. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in the pecans. I’ve found that the texture is better when I’m gentle during mixing.

**Chilling the dough** before baking is also important. This helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. I usually chill mine for at least 30 minutes, but you can chill them for longer if you have the time. You can even make the dough ahead of time and chill it overnight. I often do this before parties so I can bake them fresh.

Finally, **don’t overbake the cookies**. Overbaking can make them dry and crumbly. Bake them until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Butter Pecan Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!). To store them, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze them, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.

Room Temperature: In an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. I usually put a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Refrigerator Storage: While not ideal (they can dry out a bit), you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze them, it’s best to glaze them after thawing. The glaze can get a bit sticky if frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite Butter Pecan Cookies recipe. I truly hope you give these a try. They’re so simple to make, yet the flavor is out of this world. I promise you won’t be disappointed. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special holiday treat. If you love these, be sure to check out my other cookie recipes, like my classic chocolate chip cookies or my peanut butter blossoms. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Please leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Also, if you make any fun variations, share them in the comments! I love trying new things.