Name: Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (315 g / 11.1 ounces) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (230 g / 8.1 ounces) unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 ounces) chopped pecans, toasted; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt

Sweet memories often revolve around butter pecan cookies that melt in your mouth with a nostalgic crunch.

Crisp edges and soft centers define this classic treat that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Nutty pecans add a rich, toasted dimension to the buttery dough, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each bite carries the essence of comfort and homemade goodness that connects generations through simple ingredients.

Southern baking traditions shine through in this delightful recipe that celebrates pure, uncomplicated pleasure.

Mixing bowls and a few basic pantry staples are all you need to craft these irresistible cookies that promise to become an instant favorite.

Dive into this delectable journey and let the aroma of freshly baked goodness fill your kitchen with joy.

What Makes Butter Pecan Cookies Special

These butter pecan cookies deliver delightful flavor in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for sudden sweet cravings.
Ideal for family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual afternoon treats, these cookies suit multiple occasions with their classic, crowd-pleasing taste.
With straightforward steps like toasting pecans and mixing ingredients, even beginner bakers can confidently create these delicious homemade cookies without stress.
Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their rich, buttery flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire cookie experience.

Ingredients for Sweet Butter Pecan Cookies

Oven-Toasted Nuts:

Pecans: Rich, buttery nuts with a deep flavor that adds crunch and warmth to the cookies. Raw, unsalted pecans work best for even toasting.

Base Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the cookie dough. Standard, unbleached flour recommended.
Unsalted Butter: Offers rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender cookie. Room temperature butter blends more easily.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp cookie edge. Pure white sugar preferred.
Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor to the cookies. Light or dark brown sugar can be used.

Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds depth to the cookie flavor. Pure vanilla extract recommended over imitation.
Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness. Large, room temperature egg works best.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the nutty pecan flavor. Fine table salt or kosher salt suitable.

How to Bake Golden Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pecans

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Spread those lovely pecans across a baking sheet and let them dance in the heat for 5-7 minutes until they release a nutty, irresistible aroma. Once done, set them aside to cool down and get crispy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab your mixer and whip the butter and sugars together until they transform into a fluffy, creamy dream. This is where the magic begins- watch as they blend into a smooth, pale mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Introduce the vanilla and salt to your creamy base. Mix until everything is perfectly combined and singing in harmony.

Step 4: Flour Power

Gently fold in the flour, creating a soft cookie dough. Don’t overmix- just combine until everything looks perfectly blended.

Step 5: Pecan Party

Fold in those toasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. Each cookie should have a delightful nutty crunch.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Roll the dough into cute little balls, then place them on a baking sheet. Give them some breathing room- they’ll spread out while baking.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for golden edges that whisper “I’m ready!”

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. These buttery beauties need a moment to set their delicious structure.

Ingredients:

Butter

Brown Sugar

White Sugar

Vanilla Extract

Salt

Flour

Pecans

Maximize Pecan Flavor: Toast pecans before adding to the cookie dough to enhance their nutty, rich taste and create a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Perfect Texture Trick: Chill cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and ensure thick, chewy cookies with crisp edges.
Customize Crunch Level: Roughly chop pecans for more texture or finely chop for a more subtle nutty experience throughout the cookie.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage Savvy: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation and enjoy fresh-tasting treats anytime.

Keeping Butter Pecan Cookies Soft After Baking

Store cooled cookies in a sealed container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days.
Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
Keep cookies in a covered container at room temperature, ensuring they stay away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore soft texture before serving.

Flavor Pairings That Match Butter Pecan Cookies

Smooth bourbon or Irish cream creates a luxurious match that complements the buttery, toasted pecan notes in these cookies.
Rich hot chocolate brings out the warmth of the pecans and adds a velvety chocolate counterpoint to the cookie's buttery texture.
Earl Grey tea with its bergamot hints elegantly balances the sweet, nutty cookie, providing a sophisticated and refined pairing.
Cold milk- either whole or almond- serves as a classic, refreshing sidekick that cuts through the cookie's richness and cleanses the palate.

Gluten-Free Butter Pecan Cookies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Pecan Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg instead of traditional eggs to create a plant-based version of the classic cookie.
Low-Sugar Pecan Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining a delicious nutty flavor.
Keto-Friendly Pecan Crunch: Replace traditional flour with coconut flour and use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol to make these cookies compatible with a ketogenic diet plan.

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Irresistibly Sweet Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

What Makes Butter Pecan Cookies Special

Ingredients for Sweet Butter Pecan Cookies