Oh, the sheer joy of baking cookies! There’s something magical about the smell of sweet dough wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for butter pecan cake mix cookies. Using butter pecan cake mix not only simplifies the process but also infuses these cookies with that wonderfully nutty flavor we all love. I stumbled upon this recipe during a hectic week when I needed a quick treat for a gathering, and let me tell you, it was a hit! Trust me, these cookies are not just easy to make; they’re downright delicious, and I can’t wait for you to try them too!
Ingredients List
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix – this is the star of the show and gives our cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened – make sure it’s nice and soft to help everything mix smoothly.
- 2 large eggs – these will help bind everything together and give our cookies a lovely texture.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – the crunchy goodness that adds a delightful nutty flavor to each bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for that extra layer of warmth and sweetness that really rounds out the flavors.
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden edge. So, don’t skip it! While your oven is warming up, you can gather your ingredients and get ready to mix.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and eggs. I like to use a hand mixer for this, but you can totally do it by hand if you prefer. Just mix until everything is nice and smooth—this is where the magic begins!
Combine the Cake Mix
Next, add in the butter pecan cake mix. Stir it gently until just combined. Here’s a little tip: don’t overmix! You want to keep that lovely texture, so mix until you don’t see any dry cake mix left, and then stop.
Add Pecans and Vanilla
Now it’s time to fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently mix them in. This will keep your cookie dough fluffy and help those pecans stay evenly distributed throughout the cookies.
Form the Cookies
Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking. You want them to have room to grow!
Bake the Cookies
Pop those cookies in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a bit soft—that’s the sweet spot!
Cooling Tips
Once you take them out, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This will help them set up a bit more. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. That’s it! Enjoy the amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen as they cool!
Tips for Success
To make sure your butter pecan cake mix cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips I swear by:
- Butter Softness: It’s crucial that your butter is softened but not melted. This helps it blend with the sugars and eggs beautifully, giving you that perfect cookie texture. If you forgot to take it out in advance, just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just until it’s soft!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the cake mix, it’s tempting to keep stirring until everything’s completely smooth. But trust me, overmixing can make your cookies tough. Stir gently until you don’t see any dry mix left and then stop. Your cookies will thank you!
- Chill the Dough (optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and stick it in the fridge!
- Storage for Freshness: To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies! Try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit to mix things up. Just keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup.
Nutritional Information
These delicious butter pecan cake mix cookies are not only easy to make but also a delightful treat to enjoy! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per cookie:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the brand of butter or cake mix. So, feel free to adjust as needed based on your favorites. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While butter pecan cake mix gives these cookies their delicious flavor, you can try using other cake mix flavors like vanilla or chocolate for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your butter pecan cake mix cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to two months—just make sure to separate them with parchment paper!
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to mix in about 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans for a delightful chocolatey addition. Just remember to keep the total amount of mix-ins to around 1 cup to maintain the cookie’s texture.
What if my dough is too sticky?
If you find that your dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and shape the cookies without making a mess!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the regular butter pecan cake mix. Just check that all your other ingredients, like butter and vanilla, are also gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of cookies in no time—perfect for last-minute cravings or surprise guests!
- Easy Baking Process: If you’re new to baking, this recipe is a breeze! Using cake mix means no measuring flour and sugar—just mix, scoop, and bake!
- Delicious Flavor: The rich, buttery taste of the butter pecan cake mix creates cookies that are not only tasty but also have that delightful nutty crunch from the pecans.
- Versatile Options: Feel free to customize these cookies by adding in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits. Each batch can be a new adventure!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are perfect for sharing! They’re bound to impress family and friends, making them a go-to treat for gatherings or just a cozy night in.
Serving Suggestions
These butter pecan cake mix cookies are so delightful on their own, but pairing them with a few simple treats can elevate your snacking experience! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy them:
- With Coffee: There’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm cookie with a hot cup of coffee. The rich flavors of the butter pecan cookies complement the coffee perfectly, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
- As a Dessert: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an easy, delicious dessert. Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top to make it even more indulgent!
- With Tea: If you’re more of a tea person, enjoy these cookies with a cup of your favorite herbal tea. The nutty flavors of the cookies pair wonderfully with chamomile or chai.
- For a Snack Plate: Create a fun snack plate by pairing these cookies with some fresh fruit and cheese. The sweetness of the cookies, combined with juicy apples or berries and creamy cheese, is a delightful combination!
- Gift Them: These cookies make fantastic homemade gifts! Just package them in a cute tin or jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful present for friends or neighbors.
No matter how you choose to enjoy them, I promise these butter pecan cake mix cookies will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart!
Print
Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies: 5 Easy Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious butter pecan cookies made from cake mix.
Ingredients
- 1 box butter pecan cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and eggs until smooth.
- Add the butter pecan cake mix and stir until combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: butter pecan cake mix cookies, easy cookie recipe, baking cookies
