Butter Pecan Cookies

Introduction

Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor with the crunchy, toasted taste of pecans. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a slightly crisp edge, and the buttery goodness shines through in every bite. The addition of toasted pecans gives these cookies a delightful nutty crunch, making them a perfect treat for nut lovers. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a family gathering, or just looking for a comforting dessert, these cookies are sure to please everyone.

I remember the first time I made these for a cozy afternoon tea with friends. The warm, inviting aroma filled the house, and as soon as they were out of the oven, the whole batch was gone in minutes. The combination of buttery dough and the deep, toasty flavor of pecans makes these cookies an unforgettable treat.

What’s great about these cookies is how easy they are to make. With simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a batch of delicious cookies that are perfect for sharing—or enjoying all on your own! Whether you pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, Butter Pecan Cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Family gatherings
• Gift-giving
• Afternoon tea
• Pecan and butter lovers

Why You’ll Love This Butter Pecan Cookies

Here’s why Butter Pecan Cookies will become your new favorite:

• Buttery Flavor: The generous amount of butter in these cookies gives them a rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste that’s irresistible.
• Crisp Edges, Soft Center: These cookies have the perfect balance of crispness on the edges while staying soft and chewy in the middle.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the cookies.
• Easy to Make: The recipe requires simple ingredients and is quick to prepare, making it an easy go-to for whenever a craving strikes.
• Versatile: You can easily modify this recipe by adding different nuts or using brown sugar for extra richness.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Butter Pecan Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for softness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: Butter is the star ingredient, contributing a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the cookies.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that complements the buttery base of the cookie.
• Vanilla Extract: The vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving the cookies a comforting, aromatic taste.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar creates the perfect level of sweetness and helps achieve the cookies’ crisp edges.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Butter Pecan Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool. Chop the toasted pecans into small pieces.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until smooth and combined.
6. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If the dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.
7. Fold in the Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

8. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies are versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a warm, comforting treat.
• As a Dessert Plate: These cookies can be arranged on a dessert platter alongside other favorites like shortbread or fruit tarts.
• For Holiday Gatherings: The rich, nutty flavor makes these cookies an excellent addition to any holiday dessert spread.
• Gift-Giving: Package these cookies in a decorative tin or jar to give as thoughtful homemade gifts to family and friends.
• With Ice Cream: Pair these cookies with vanilla or caramel ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Additional Tips for Butter Pecan Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect every time:

• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft to scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking.
• Use Fresh Butter: Fresh, unsalted butter gives these cookies the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you like sweeter cookies, you can add a bit more sugar, or try using brown sugar for extra depth of flavor.
• Check for Doneness: The cookies should be golden around the edges but soft in the middle when done. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Store in an Airtight Container: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Freeze the Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 2 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Recipe Variations for Butter Pecan Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Butter Pecan Cookies:

• Brown Sugar Butter Pecan Cookies: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer, more molasses-like flavor.
• Maple Butter Pecan Cookies: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for a subtle maple flavor that complements the pecans.
• Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies: Incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the pecans for a sweet and nutty twist.
• Cinnamon Butter Pecan Cookies: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy note that pairs wonderfully with the pecans.
• Caramel Butter Pecan Cookies: Add caramel bits to the dough for a chewy, sweet surprise in every bite.
• Oatmeal Butter Pecan Cookies: Add ½ cup of rolled oats to the dough for a hearty, chewy texture.
• Pecan Sandies: Roll the dough balls in powdered sugar before baking for a light, sandy texture.
• Vegan Butter Pecan Cookies: Substitute dairy-free butter and flax eggs to make a vegan version of these cookies.
• Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free variation.
• Coconut Butter Pecan Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist on the classic butter pecan flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Butter Pecan Cookies

• Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Butter Pecan Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Butter Pecan Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer helps cream the butter and sugar to the perfect consistency.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures even-sized cookies for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets for easy cookie removal.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevent sticking and ensure even baking with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements, ensure the best results.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack helps the cookies cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
• Oven Thermometer: If you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature, an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate baking conditions.
• Mixing Bowls: Use different-sized bowls for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers for storing leftover cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions for Butter Pecan Cookies

1. Can I use salted butter?
   It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt content, but if you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen.
3. Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
   Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
4. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should be golden brown on the edges and soft in the middle when done. They’ll firm up as they cool.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Butter Pecan Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a buttery, nutty dessert. The toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor, while the rich butter creates a cookie that’s perfectly crispy around the edges and soft in the center. These cookies are a must-have for holiday baking, family gatherings, or simply as a thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones.

Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee or pairing them with a scoop of ice cream, Butter Pecan Cookies will always hit the spot. Their timeless flavor and texture make them a treat everyone will cherish, making every bite a little moment of bliss.

I’d love to see how your Butter Pecan Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!