Easy Butter Pecan Cookies

If you love the warm, nutty flavor of toasted pecans paired with buttery sweetness, these Easy Butter Pecan Cookies are destined to be your new favorite treat. Perfectly crisp around the edges and soft in the center, these cookies taste like a bakery classic made right at home. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend gathering, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is simple, quick, and guaranteed to satisfy any cookie craving.

This recipe combines the richness of butter, the depth of brown sugar, and the crunch of pecans into every bite. Best of all, it requires no special equipment or complicated steps — just pure, old-fashioned baking goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern flavor: The combination of butter and toasted pecans gives these cookies a signature Southern touch.
• Perfect texture: Soft and chewy inside with a light golden crisp on the edges.
• Quick and easy: Simple pantry ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes.
• Great for gifting: Perfect for cookie swaps, holidays, or care packages.
• Family favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike — these cookies disappear fast!

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the perfect butter pecan cookie. Here’s how they work together:

• Unsalted butter: The foundation of flavor. Using room-temperature butter ensures your cookies turn out soft and rich.
• Granulated and brown sugar: A mix of both gives the cookies the ideal balance of sweetness and chewiness.
• Eggs: Add structure and moisture, helping bind the dough for a perfect texture.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and enhances the nutty undertones.
• All-purpose flour: The structure that holds everything together — make sure to sift it for a light, even texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and slightly puffy.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the buttery flavor.
• Chopped pecans: The star of the show! Toasting them brings out their natural oils and rich nutty taste.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies

1. Toast your pecans: Don’t skip this step — it enhances flavor and adds a wonderful aroma. Toast in a dry skillet or bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
2. Measure your flour correctly: Too much flour makes dense cookies. Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping.
3. Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
4. Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
5. Avoid overbaking: Cookies continue to cook on the sheet after removing from the oven. Take them out when edges are golden and centers are slightly soft.

Variations and Customizations

Make these cookies your own with a few creative twists:

• Chocolate chip pecan: Add ½ cup chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.
• Maple butter pecan: Replace vanilla with 1 teaspoon of maple extract.
• Brown butter version: Brown the butter before mixing to create a deeper, nutty flavor.
• Coconut pecan cookies: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut for extra texture.
• Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Pairing Suggestions

Butter Pecan Cookies pair perfectly with both hot and cold drinks. Try serving them with:

• Hot coffee or espresso: The buttery flavor complements dark roasts beautifully.
• Iced coffee or milk: Perfect for summer afternoons or kids’ snacks.
• Vanilla ice cream: Sandwich two cookies with a scoop of vanilla for an irresistible dessert.
• Hot chocolate: Cozy comfort for cold evenings or holiday gatherings.

Storage Instructions

These cookies store beautifully — if they last that long!

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 10 days in a sealed container.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
• Freezing dough: Roll dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Popular Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to about ¼ teaspoon to avoid over-salting.

How do I keep my cookies soft after baking?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel — it keeps them moist and chewy.

Can I add other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts work well too.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

The butter may have been too warm. Try chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking.