Butter pecan cookies are one of those delightful treats that seem to wrap you in a warm hug. Just imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie, the buttery flavor melting in your mouth, and the crunch of toasted pecans adding that perfect little twist. They’re not just delicious; they’re easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. I remember the first time I made these cookies as a teenager, standing in my mom’s kitchen, and the aroma of butter and sugar filling the air—it was pure magic! This recipe has become a staple in my home, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. So, gather your ingredients and let’s create some of the best butter pecan cookies you’ll ever taste! Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart.
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie bliss! Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious butter pecan cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. It should feel soft but not greasy.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Use light or dark brown sugar; the molasses content gives the cookies that rich flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs: Bring these to room temperature too for smoother mixing!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is where the magic happens—vanilla enhances the buttery flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level the flour to avoid packing it down, which can make your cookies too dense.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps your cookies rise just the right amount.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: Toast your pecans beforehand for an even richer flavor! You want them roughly chopped so they’re easy to mix in.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to bake some delicious butter pecan cookies! Let’s get started!
How to Prepare Butter Pecan Cookies
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the fun part—making those buttery, nutty cookies! Follow these simple steps, and I promise you’ll be enjoying fresh butter pecan cookies in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Dough
First thing’s first, let’s get that dough going! In a large mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You can use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon—whichever you prefer. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air, making your cookies light and tender!
Next, add the eggs—one at a time—mixing well after each addition. This helps them blend smoothly into the mixture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma will be heavenly, and you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste!
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until they’re well combined. This step ensures that your baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing any weird salty bites! Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. It’s best to do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few flour streaks are okay; you’ll be folding in the pecans next.
Adding Pecans and Shaping Cookies
Speaking of pecans, it’s time to fold those beauties into your dough! Gently add the chopped and toasted pecans, using a spatula or wooden spoon to incorporate them evenly. Now comes the fun part—shaping your cookies! Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each dollop; they’ll spread a little while baking, and we don’t want them to stick together!
Baking and Cooling
Pop your cookie-filled baking sheet into the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for those lovely golden edges while the centers might look slightly soft—that’s perfect! Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is important because it allows them to set. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll want to resist the urge to devour them right away, but a little patience goes a long way for the best flavor and texture!
Tips for Success
Getting your butter pecan cookies just right can be a breeze with these handy tips! First off, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature—it should be soft enough to leave an indent but not melted. This is crucial for the perfect texture!
Another key point is to watch your baking time. Overbaking is a common mistake that can turn soft cookies into crunchy ones. Aim for those golden edges while keeping the center a tad soft; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Trust me, chewy cookies are the best!
Chilling your dough for about 30 minutes before baking can also enhance the flavor and help your cookies hold their shape. Lastly, don’t skip the toasting step for your pecans! It really brings out their flavor and adds that extra crunch. With these tips in mind, you’re set for cookie perfection!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you choose, so keep that in mind. For each butter pecan cookie, you can expect approximately 150 calories, with about 8 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. There’s also around 10 grams of sugar and 80 milligrams of sodium per cookie. While these cookies are a delightful treat, moderation is key! Enjoy them as part of a balanced diet, and don’t forget to share some with friends and family for extra smiles around the table!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted in this butter pecan cookie recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that if you use salted butter, you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe a bit. Salted butter can enhance the flavor but may make the cookies a little saltier overall.
Q2: What’s the best way to store leftover butter pecan cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Q3: Can I make these cookies without pecans?
Of course! You can either leave them out entirely or substitute them with another nut like walnuts or even chocolate chips for a different twist. The base cookie will still be delicious!
Q4: How can I make my cookies more chewy?
For chewier cookies, try not to overbake them. Pull them out when the edges are golden but the centers still look a bit soft. Also, chilling the dough before baking can help retain moisture.
Q5: Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?
Definitely! Just make sure you have enough space in your mixing bowl to handle the larger amount of dough. Baking times should remain the same, but keep an eye on them, as larger batches can sometimes take a minute or two longer to bake evenly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Butter pecan cookies are a delightful treat that you’ll fall head over heels for! Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Delicious Flavor: The buttery goodness combined with crunchy pecans creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a hit at gatherings, making them a great way to spread joy among friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a family favorite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover butter pecan cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their soft texture for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies! Just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will make them soft and gooey, just like fresh out of the oven!
Serving Suggestions
Butter pecan cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be even more delightful when paired with a few tasty accompaniments. Consider serving them alongside a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee to enhance the buttery flavor and make for a cozy treat. You could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience—think warm cookies topped with melting ice cream! For a touch of elegance, try pairing your cookies with a light dessert wine or a rich hot chocolate. These combinations will surely elevate your cookie enjoyment to new heights!
Butter Pecan Cookies: 5 Simple Steps to Cookie Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious butter pecan cookies that are easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For chewy cookies, do not overbake.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can enhance flavor.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: butter pecan cookies, cookie recipe, easy cookies
