Name: Easy Butter Pecan Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

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If you’re looking for a cookie that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, you’ve come to the right place! These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results have become a cherished favorite in my kitchen. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with rich, toasted pecans that add a delightful crunch. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight treat or preparing for a family gathering, these cookies are bound to impress.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is. With just a few pantry staples and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time. The buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready!
Deliciously satisfying: The combination of buttery goodness and toasted pecans creates an amazing flavor that’s hard to resist.
Versatile treat: Perfect for any occasion, from cozy afternoons at home to holiday parties with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that will make these cookies shine! You probably have most of them on hand already.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or ingredients to make it your own.

Add chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, fold in some dark chocolate or white chocolate chips along with the pecans.
Try different nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work beautifully too!
Mix in spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the flavor.
Make them mini: Use a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon to create bite-sized cookies—perfect for sharing!

How to Make Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden color.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the mixture, creating a tender texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Mixing well after each addition helps ensure everything combines smoothly. The vanilla adds such lovely flavor!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour so that your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; we want those cookies to stay soft and chewy!

Step 6: Fold in Toasted Pecans

Now for the best part—fold in those toasted chopped pecans! Their rich flavor will elevate your cookies even further.

Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread as they bake.

Step 8: Bake Them Up!

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—overbaking can lead to crispy cookies instead of soft ones!

Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly while still being warm enough for a delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results

Baking these butter pecan cookies can be an enjoyable experience, and a few tips can help you achieve the best results!

Use room temperature ingredients – Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother dough and softer cookies.
Toast the pecans – Toasting enhances the natural flavors of the nuts, providing a deeper, richer taste that complements the buttery cookie base beautifully.
Don’t overmix the dough – Mix until just combined to prevent gluten formation, which keeps your cookies tender and chewy rather than tough.
Chill the dough (optional) – If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help solidify the fats, leading to thicker cookies that hold their shape better during baking.
Watch the baking time closely – Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them golden around the edges but still soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results

Presenting your freshly baked butter pecan cookies can be as delightful as baking them! Here are some charming ways to serve these delicious treats.

Garnishes

Dusted powdered sugar – A light dusting adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cookie’s flavors.
Chopped chocolate or caramel drizzle – A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel adds a beautiful look and complements the nutty flavor perfectly.

Side Dishes

Vanilla ice cream – The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures.
Coffee or tea – A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors of butter pecan cookies while providing a soothing drink option that balances sweetness.
Fruit platter – Fresh fruits like apples or pears bring a refreshing contrast to the rich buttery flavor of the cookies, adding a splash of color and healthiness to your dessert table.
Milkshake – For an indulgent treat, consider serving these cookies alongside a creamy milkshake. The combination is sure to bring joy to both kids and adults alike!

With these serving ideas and pro tips in mind, you’re all set to make and enjoy your Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time for gatherings or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.
If you prefer softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to three months.
To thaw, leave at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful cookies.

Can I use different nuts in Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results?

Absolutely! While pecans add a wonderful flavor, you can substitute with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just be sure to toast them for the best taste!

How do I make my Easy Butter Pecan Cookies: A Simple Guide for Delicious Results gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, swap out regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your cookie dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle when forming dough balls.

Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Definitely! Chocolate chips would add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor. Just fold them in along with the toasted pecans before baking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re excited to dive into these Easy Butter Pecan Cookies! They offer a beautifully balanced flavor of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or savoring them with your favorite cup of tea, they’re sure to bring joy. Happy baking, and enjoy every delightful bite!

Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Easy Butter Pecan Cookies, a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with the rich flavor of toasted pecans. Whether you’re enjoying them as an after-school snack or serving them at holiday gatherings, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. With only a few pantry staples and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch in just 30 minutes. The irresistible buttery aroma will have everyone asking for more!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in the toasted pecans.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.