Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: Crispy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Joy

Crafting delectable butter pecan cookies brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your home with warmth.

Nutty pecans create a delightful crunch against soft, buttery dough.

Childhood memories drift back with each magical bite.

Southern baking traditions shine through this simple yet irresistible treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can master these delightful morsels.

Your friends and family will absolutely adore these melt-in-your-mouth delights.

Butter Pecan Cookies: Sweet and Nutty Magic

• Unlock Rich Flavor Complexity: Toasting pecans and browning butter create a deep, nutty profile that transforms ordinary cookies into a gourmet taste experience.
• Master Easy Baking Techniques: Learn professional-level cooking methods like browning butter and toasting nuts, which elevate your baking skills without requiring advanced culinary training.
• Perfect for Sweet Treat Lovers: Combines classic cookie comfort with sophisticated flavor nuances, making these butter pecan cookies irresistible for both casual snackers and dessert enthusiasts.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, holiday parties, or personal indulgence, these cookies appeal to all ages with their warm, comforting taste and delightful texture.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cookies

• Pecans: Provide a rich, toasted flavor and crunchy texture to the cookies.

• Butter, Brown Butter: Create a deep, nutty flavor and contribute to the cookies' rich, tender texture.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie texture.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, sweet note.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more tender cookie texture.
• Baking Soda: Assists in the cookies' rise and browning.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice to complement the pecan flavor.

• Maldon Sea Salt: Provides a delicate, crunchy saltiness to contrast with the sweet cookies.

How to Bake Butter Pecan Cookies Perfectly

Step 1: Roast Nutty Goodness

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir occasionally until they turn golden and release a warm, toasty aroma.

The nuts will become fragrant and slightly crisp, creating a delightful base for your cookies.

Step 2: Create Liquid Gold

Grab another pan and transform regular butter into a magical brown butter.

Melt the butter slowly, watching it bubble and change color. Swirl the pan gently as the butter turns a rich amber shade and develops a nutty fragrance.

Pour into a bowl and let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 3: Mix Cookie Magic

• Softened butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Cream these ingredients until they become smooth and fluffy.

Pour in the brown butter and mix thoroughly. Add eggs and vanilla, blending until everything is perfectly combined.

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon

Stir in the toasted pecans. For extra flavor development, let the dough rest in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 350F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 5: Shape and Bake Cookies

Scoop dollops of dough onto prepared sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 7-9 minutes until edges turn golden brown while centers remain slightly soft.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few moments. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra flavor punch.

Transfer to a cooling rack and serve with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate treat!

Tips for Crispy Butter Pecan Cookies

• Stir nuts constantly to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown color for maximum flavor intensity.
• Watch butter closely during browning process to achieve rich, nutty notes without scorching, creating deeper taste profile.
• Refrigerate cookie mixture for 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Remove cookies when edges turn golden but centers remain slightly soft for perfect chewy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Sprinkle Maldon sea salt on warm cookies to elevate sweet-savory balance and create gourmet restaurant-style finishing touch.

Fun Twists on Butter Pecan Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Pecan Paradise: Replace half the pecans with dark chocolate chips for a rich, decadent flavor combination.
• Maple Glazed Pecan Cookies: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra toasted pecans for a sweet Canadian-inspired treat.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Crunch: Top each cookie with a small piece of soft caramel and a pinch of flaky sea salt before baking for an indulgent upgrade.
• Spiced Pecan Sensation: Add ground cardamom and nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the toasted pecans perfectly.

What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cookies

• Pair Nutty Richness with Creamy Milk: A cold glass of whole milk perfectly complements the toasted pecan and brown butter flavors, cutting through the cookie's richness while enhancing its warm, sweet notes.
• Elevate with Caramel Cappuccino: A smooth cappuccino with a caramel drizzle mirrors the cookie's brown butter and nutty characteristics, creating a harmonious flavor experience that amplifies the dessert's depth.
• Enhance with Bourbon Vanilla Shake: A thick, bourbon vanilla milkshake echoes the cookie's warm cinnamon and toasted pecan undertones, providing a decadent and indulgent pairing that celebrates the dessert's complex profile.

Proper Storage for Butter Pecan Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.

Wrap unbaked cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator before baking.

Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Warm cookies in a preheated 300F oven for 3-5 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture and enhance the buttery pecan flavor.

FAQs

• Why do I need to brown the butter?

Browning butter caramelizes milk solids, creating a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity to the cookie’s taste profile.

• Can I skip toasting the pecans?

Toasting pecans enhances their natural oils and intensifies their flavor, so it’s recommended for the best taste experience. Untoasted pecans will taste flat and less aromatic.

• How do I know when the brown butter is ready?

Look for a golden amber color and a nutty, slightly toasted aroma. Small brown specks will form at the bottom of the pan, indicating the butter is perfectly browned.

• What does cornstarch do in these cookies?

Cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender cookie texture by preventing excess gluten formation, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 54 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Creamy butter pecan cookies melt with Southern charm, offering a delightful blend of nutty richness and sweet comfort. Rich, golden-brown treats invite cookie enthusiasts to savor each crumbly, warm bite of pure homemade happiness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.25 cups pecan halves
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.25 cups dark brown sugar
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Seasoning and Leavening Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons corn starch
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Garnish:

• Maldon flake sea salt

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Instructions

1. Carefully toast chopped pecans in a skillet with melted butter over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until lightly golden and fragrant.
2. Create brown butter by cooking butter in a separate pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, swirling periodically until it reaches a rich amber color with a nutty aroma. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate briefly to cool.
3. Cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until smooth and fluffy. Incorporate the cooled brown butter, then mix in eggs and vanilla extract until well blended.
4. Gradually fold in flour, cornstarch, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
5. Chill the dough for optional enhanced flavor development, approximately 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
7. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto prepared sheets, maintaining 2-inch spacing between cookies.
8. Bake for 7-9 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges while centers remain slightly soft.
9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Optionally sprinkle with Maldon sea salt for a sophisticated flavor contrast.
10. Serve alongside a chilled glass of milk for a delightful treat.

Notes

• Perfectly toast pecans by stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure even golden-brown color.
• Brown butter develops a rich, nutty flavor that intensifies the cookie’s depth; watch carefully to avoid scorching.
• Chilling the dough helps cookies maintain their shape and concentrates the caramel-like brown butter flavor.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg