Butter Pecan Cookies – Soft, Chewy, and Loaded with Pecans

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, freshly baked cookie, and these Butter Pecan Cookies are exactly that kind of treat. They’re buttery, chewy, and packed with toasted pecans, giving them a deliciously nutty crunch in every bite. If you’re looking for a cookie that’s perfect for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or simply an afternoon snack, this recipe is for you.

These cookies bring together the warm, caramelized flavors of butter, brown sugar, and toasty pecans, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, they have that ideal soft center with slightly crisp edges—just the way a perfect cookie should be.

I first made these cookies on a chilly autumn afternoon when I wanted something cozy but different from the usual chocolate chip cookies. The rich aroma of butter and cinnamon filled my kitchen, and after one bite, I knew this recipe was a keeper. The pecans add the perfect crunch, and when combined with the buttery dough, it creates a cookie that tastes like a warm hug.

Whether you’re baking these for a holiday dessert platter, a gift for friends, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Butter Pecan Cookies are bound to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these cookies, but here are the top ones:

1. Perfectly Soft and Chewy Texture – The combination of brown sugar, melted butter, and cornstarch creates a cookie that stays soft and chewy, even after a few days.
2. Rich and Buttery Flavor – The buttery dough, combined with toasted pecans, gives these cookies a deep, rich flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
3. Toasted Pecans Add a Delicious Crunch – Toasting the pecans enhances their natural nuttiness, making them even more flavorful.
4. Easy to Make – This recipe requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and the dough comes together in just minutes.
5. Perfect for Holiday Baking – These cookies are great for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any fall gathering, and they make a fantastic gift.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof, guaranteeing bakery-quality cookies right from your kitchen.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are definitely a treat, they do have a few ingredients that provide some nutritional benefits:

1. Pecans Are Loaded with Healthy Fats – Pecans contain monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health and help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
2. Source of Fiber – Thanks to the pecans and flour, these cookies provide a small amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
3. Rich in Antioxidants – Pecans contain vitamin E and other antioxidants that help fight inflammation in the body.
4. Protein from Pecans and Eggs – Each cookie contains a small amount of protein, making them a more satisfying snack.
5. No Artificial Ingredients – Unlike store-bought cookies that are loaded with preservatives, these homemade treats use natural ingredients, making them a better choice.

Of course, moderation is key, but it’s nice to know that these cookies offer more than just great taste.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30-45 minutes
• Bake Time: 11-14 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: 172 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 11g

Ingredients List

To make these buttery, nutty cookies, you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
• ½ cup toffee bits (optional but highly recommended)

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect texture and flavor, so be sure to follow the measurements carefully.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
3. Fold in the Pecans and Toffee Bits
   • Gently stir in the chopped toasted pecans and toffee bits, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4. Chill the Dough
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Scoop and Bake
   • Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the dough into balls (about 1½ tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
   • Bake for 11-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft.
7. Cool and Enjoy
   • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some fun serving ideas:

• With a glass of milk – The classic way to enjoy cookies.
• With vanilla ice cream – A warm cookie topped with a scoop of ice cream is heavenly.
• Dipped in hot coffee or tea – Perfect for an afternoon treat.

Pairing Suggestions

• Hot Beverages: Coffee, chai tea, or a spiced latte complement the buttery flavors beautifully.
• Cold Beverages: Try with iced caramel macchiato or cold brew coffee.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls for up to 1 month.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the chilling step – The dough will spread too much if not chilled.
2. Overmixing the dough – Leads to tough cookies.
3. Overbaking – The cookies will continue to set after they come out of the oven.

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
• Toast the pecans to bring out their nutty taste.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.

How to Customize These Butter Pecan Cookies

One of the best things about these cookies is how easily you can tweak the recipe to match your preferences. Whether you want to make them extra chewy, add a unique ingredient, or create a healthier version, there are plenty of ways to customize them.

For a richer flavor, try using browned butter instead of regular melted butter. Brown butter enhances the nuttiness of the pecans and adds a deeper caramel-like taste. If you prefer extra crunch, you can increase the amount of toasted pecans or even add chopped almonds for a mixed-nut version.

For those who love chocolate, mixing in white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or caramel bits takes these cookies to another level. If you enjoy warm spices, adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger brings out a cozy fall-inspired flavor.

If you want a healthier twist, swap out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or oat flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar slightly and still maintain great flavor by using a mix of coconut sugar and maple syrup.

These cookies are incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment and make them your own.

How to Make These Cookies Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free

If you’re avoiding gluten or dairy, you don’t have to miss out on these delicious cookies. With a few simple swaps, you can make a batch that fits your dietary needs while still being just as tasty.

To make them gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum to help with texture. Almond flour can also work, but it may slightly alter the chewiness of the cookies.

For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Choose a plant-based egg substitute, like a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water), if you also need an egg-free option.

Since pecans are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, they remain the perfect ingredient to keep these cookies flavorful and satisfying. With these adjustments, you’ll have a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy.

Making Butter Pecan Cookie Dough Ahead of Time

If you love fresh cookies but don’t always have time to bake from scratch, prepping the dough ahead of time is a game changer. This dough stores well, making it easy to have freshly baked cookies whenever you crave them.

For short-term storage, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make scooping easier.

For longer storage, freezing the cookie dough is the best option. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

When baking from frozen, no need to thaw—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. This method is perfect for busy days or when you want to impress guests with warm, homemade cookies on short notice.

How to Fix Common Cookie Baking Issues

Even the best bakers run into cookie problems sometimes, but most issues have simple fixes. If your cookies spread too much, the dough may not have been chilled long enough. Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps keep them from flattening too much in the oven.

If the cookies turn out dry or crumbly, they may have been overbaked. Make sure to remove them from the oven when the edges just start to turn golden—they will continue to set as they cool.

For cookies that are too dense or tough, the dough may have been overmixed. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and tender.

If the flavors aren’t coming through as expected, double-check that you’re using fresh pecans and high-quality vanilla extract. These small details can make a big difference in the final taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it.

Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well too.

Can I freeze baked cookies?
It’s best to freeze the dough rather than the baked cookies.

Conclusion & Call to Action

I hope you love these Butter Pecan Cookies as much as I do! If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Happy baking!

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