Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe


Ready for some holiday cookies? Me too! I love this time of year, and I really love dropping new recipes for my readers to try that are so special to me. This one is so incredible because it is not only crispy and nutty on the outside, but it is also chewy in the middle with a big ole pecan on the top to bite into.

My recipe is perfect for those who are new to baking and those who are busy or just don’t like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. These are soft, with golden-crisp edges, and studded with toasted caramelized pecans. The buttery, nutty flavors really shine in these treats!

butter pecan cookies

These Christmas cookies are next-level delicious. If you like this flavor in your ice cream and desserts, prepare to be blown away. The brown butter gives the dough a complex, caramel-like flavor. I don’t just toss pecans in there— I toast them first in some sugar, pure vanilla, and more butter.

The cookies themselves are irresistibly chewy and tender, with beautifully crisp edges. This recipe does require chilling, but I promise you the wait time is worth it. You end up with melt-in-your-mouth cookies bursting with a buttery flavor and toasted pecans in every bite.

I mention later that I use the finest butter and best pecans I can find because those are the two main ingredients. That is important. The butter should be of high quality and the pecans as well. The better the ingredients, the better the cookies.

But this is an easy recipe too. The majority of the time is spent waiting for the dough to chill, which is why I make it the night before. Then, the next day, just bake and serve. They are ready to eat in about 10 minutes! I like to serve them right next to my chewy molasses cookies. They are a classic favorite with a distinct flavor that everyone loves. 

Why you will love this recipe 

  • Full of nuts and flavor: I use the finest nuts and butter to make sure these cookies are the best they can be. Get the highest quality you can afford. 
  • Toasted pecans: Toasting the pecans in brown butter makes them taste so incredibly rich and delicious. Some people skip this part, but I have to say – it is important to the flavor!
  • Bakes in minutes: After letting it chill, it only takes about 10 minutes to bake these scrumptious treats. Do not overcook them or they will not be soft and chewy. 
  • Perfect for anything: Snacking, dessert, or partying, these cookies can be served anytime. They are pretty enough to be given as gifts too. 
butter pecan cookies ingredients

What you’ll need to make butter pecan cookies

Equipment

  • Skillet – A large skillet for sauteing the pecans and browning the butter. 
  • Cookie sheet – For baking the cookies. 
  • Bowls
  • Cooking utensils 

Ingredients:

For the pecans:

  • Pecans – I highly recommend getting the freshest pecans from a trusted source. I like to get mine from a farm in Georgia that sells organic pecans. I have been getting them there for years and I trust them. Their pecans are rich, buttery, and always taste incredible. 
  • Butter – Because butter is also a main ingredient in this recipe, it should also be high quality. I prefer European-style butter because it has less water in it than American-style butter. Also, do not use salted butter because the salt takes away from the creamy sweetness.Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter is my favorite.
  • Brown sugar – Just one tablespoon of brown sugar is all that is needed but make sure it is fresh and moist with a good flavor.I am using dark brown just like what I am using in cookies.
  • Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract has intense layers of vanilla bean taste without the bitter aftertaste. Do not use imitation stuff.  

For the cookies:

  • Butter – Because butter is also a main ingredient in this recipe, it should also be high quality. I prefer European-style butter because it has less water in it than American-style butter. Also, do not use salted butter because the salt takes away from the creamy sweetness. Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter is my favorite.
  • All-purpose flour – Any kind of flour will work but I prefer all-purpose flour because it is able to provide plenty of structure as well as softness for these cookies. 
  • Cornstarch – Adding cornstarch makes a more tender and softer crumb. It also helps the cookie not spread as much while it is baking for a thicker and more compact cookie, making it chewier, which I love about these cookies.
  • Baking soda – Mixed with brown sugar, baking soda will help these cookies rise and develop extra flavor and color. It reacts with the acids to develop deeper flavors and colors in a shorter time. It also makes them chewier because they are thicker. 
  • White granulated sugar – White sugar adds pure sweetness and helps create air bubbles to make them rise. It also gives the cookies those yummy crispy edges I love
  • Dark brown sugar – The dark brown sugar makes these cookies richer, more like molasses, and softer than light brown sugar, which is more like caramel. I love my cookies to be soft and chewy, so I use dark brown sugar but if you want them harder, light brown sugar is fine. Either way, make sure it is packed well when measuring so there is enough of it.
  • Large eggs – Make sure the eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend easier and helps the dough rise. It also makes air pockets for lighter and fluffier cookies. 
  • Egg yolk – I add an extra egg yolk for a richer flavor and creamier texture. The extra fat and lecithin make it creamier and prevents the dough from drying out. 
  • Vanilla extract – Pure vanilla extract has intense layers of vanilla bean taste without the bitter aftertaste. Do not use imitation stuff.  
  • Pecan halves – I highly recommend getting the freshest pecans from a trusted source. I like to get mine from a farm in Georgia that sells organic pecans. I have been getting them there for years and I trust them. Their pecans are rich, buttery, and always taste incredible. 
  • Salt

How to make butter pecan cookies?

  • Saute the pecans: First, I saute the chopped pecans in butter and brown sugar for three minutes until they are lightly toasted. Then, I remove them from the heat and stir in the vanilla. 
  • Brown the butter: Now, I use the same pan to bring one cup of butter to a boil, stirring frequently, over medium-high heat. The solid particles at the bottom of the pan should turn golden brown. Then, I immediately pour it into a large mixing bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes. 
  • Combine the dry and wet: In another bowl, I whisk together the cornstarch, baking soda, and flour. Then, I whisk both of the sugars into the cooled browned butter before whisking in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla until combined well. The dry ingredients get mixed into the butter mixture next, stirring until well combined. 
  • Chill the dough: Afterward, I stir in the buttered pecans and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it down to the surface of the dough so no air gets in. I let the dough chill in the refrigerator overnight, but it can be as little as three hours or as long as three days. 
  • Bake the cookies: When ready to bake, I preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, I roll the dough into balls that are about three tablespoons each and place them two inches apart on the parchment paper. They go on the middle rack for 9 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and they are starting to turn golden brown. 
  • Cool and serve: As soon as they come out, I press half of a pecan into the center of each cookie and place the cookie sheet onto a cooling rack for five minutes. After that, they can be served or taken off the cookie sheet to finish cooling. 
steps how to make butter pecan cookies

Expert tip

There have been many questions about chilling the cookie dough. A lot of recipes say that they only chill the dough for 30 minutes to an hour and some say they do not chill it at all! But why do we chill the dough? There are several reasons that I know of. First, the flour has enzymes in it that break down as it chills, which helps it turn brown when it bakes. 

Also, the sugar is able to absorb more moisture as it rests so it caramelizes better. This not only allows it to melt into the dough, but it also gets absorbed by the flour and hydrates the other ingredients. It also deepens the flavor of the dough overall, giving it a buttery, sweet taste with more intense layers of flavor. 

However, the main reason I chill my dough is to keep the dough from spreading too much. Chilling the dough firms up the fats to keep the dough from expanding too fast so they stay solid for a longer time. Otherwise, they will just melt and turn flat. I prefer to chill my dough overnight, but three or four hours will also work. 

Recipe variations and add-ins:

  • Other nuts: If pecans are hard to find, walnuts or almonds can be used in a pinch. I have used both of these and to be honest, I loved both of these recipes too.The recipe is the same, just replace the nuts.
  • Candied pecans: Instead of using the buttered pecans in this recipe, try my easy candied pecans. They are sweet, crunchy, and easy to make in minutes with six ingredients. 
  • Add some chocolate: Anything is better with some chocolate in it, right? I love adding chocolate chips to these. Actually, I have used cinnamon, caramel, dark, white, and milk chocolate chips as well as semi-sweet chips. They are all scrumptious.
  • Happy holidays: Sometimes, I add holiday spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. These are a hit with the kids.
  • Caramel sauce: Another way to top these delicious nutty cookies is with my sweet and gooey caramel sauce. This stuff is so thick and rich that everyone loves it. 

Serving suggestions:

  • These are a nice snack, treat, or dessert at any time. Here are some serving ideas I want to share.
  • Everyone loves my Christmas punch on the side, made with cranberries, pomegranate, lime, and booze. I also make a second batch for those who cannot drink alcohol. 
  • I like to serve these for dessert after a meal made with ingredients that complement the flavors like my apple cinnamon pork chops. The brown sugar in this recipe goes great with these cookies. 
  • Another great way to enjoy these cookies is with a bowl of butter pecan ice cream. I like to add a scoop of soft ice cream between two cookies for a butter pecan ice cream sandwich. It is even better rolled in crushed pecans!
  • Make them fancy with some frosting! Try my rich and decadent cream cheese frosting and then add some colored sprinkles for some pizzazz. 
  • When I need to serve a crowd, I make a few batches of these cookies and this apple sheet cake with pecan streusel topping. Everyone loves this cake, especially the topping, and it serves 12 to 15 people! 
  • Some of the best wines that go with butter pecan cookies include Napa Valley Chardonnay, Tawny Port, and Marsala Dolce. 
butter pecan cookies on a baking sheet

Frequently asked questions

Why are my butter pecan cookies too flat?

There are a few reasons this may happen. It could be that the ingredients were not measured properly. It may also be that the baking soda was old or expired. Overmixing the batter can also cause this to happen. Another reason (the most common) is that the dough was not chilled long enough. Even if the dough is chilled, be sure to put it back into the fridge between batches to keep it chilled. 

How do I keep my cookies from being hard?

I have included a few secrets to soft cookies in this recipe. First, the cornstarch helps make them soft and thick. Also, taking them out while they are still a little bit underbaked leaves them a little bit gooey, so they are softer. They will firm up some as they rest. In addition, having more brown sugar than white makes them moister and more tender. Finally, having an extra egg yolk increases the moisture and chewier texture. 

How do I make my cookies crispy?

For crispier butter pecan cookies, they will need more white granulated sugar and less brown sugar. I like mine soft and chewier so I use more dark brown sugar than white. In order for them to be crispy, cut the brown sugar in half and double the amount of white sugar. This will make them a lot crispier. However, remember that they will be sweeter too. Brown sugar has a milder flavor than white sugar, so it is not as sweet. 

Why are my butter pecan cookies so greasy?

Do not add too much butter. Browned butter can be greasy. But if there is enough flour added, the dough should even out just fine. Make sure the flour is measured carefully. Also, make sure the ingredients are creamed together thoroughly enough. It also has to chill for at least three hours. I like to let my dough rest overnight, so it is nice and solid. The flavor seems to deepen after chilling for so long too. 

butter pecan cookies with pecans in the center

How to store:

  • Refrigerate: Leftover cookies can last for five days in an airtight container at room temperature and 10 days in the fridge.   
  • Freezing: These cookies can also be frozen for up to three months in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container.   
  • Defrost: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best flavor.

More cookies to try:

Recipe tips:

  • I chill my cookie dough overnight for the best results, but three hours will do. 
  • Also, be sure to put it back in the fridge between batches to keep it cold. 
  • Overmixing the batter, not measuring properly, and using expired baking soda can cause flat cookies. 
  • Using extra cornstarch, more brown sugar than white, and adding an extra egg yolk can produce softer cookies.
  • For crispy cookies, use more white sugar than brown sugar.
  • Be sure the batter is creamed thoroughly, and everything is measured carefully to prevent greasy cookies.
butter pecan cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies

Catalina Castravet
Butter Pecan Cookies are soft on the inside, with golden-crisp edges and studded with toasted caramelized pecans. Nutty, buttery, and tasty!
5 from 12 votes
Prep Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 42 minutes
Course Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings cookies
Calories 460 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Butter Pecans:

  • 1 1/2 cups pecans chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Butter Pecan Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1/3 cup pecan halves

Instructions
 

Butter Pecans:

  • In a large skillet, sauté the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter for about 3-4 minutes, until lightly toasted. Set aside to cool, and stir in the vanilla.

Butter Pecan Cookies:

  • Bring the butter to a boil, stirring frequently, in a skillet over medium-high heat. The solid particles at the bottom will turn golden brown. Immediately pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl and cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and baking soda.
  • Whisk the sugars into the cooled, browned butter. Whisk in the vanilla, eggs, and egg yolk until well combined.
  • Add dry ingredients into the butter bowl and stir until well combined.
  • Stir in buttered pecans.
  • Cover the mixture with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic down onto the dough's surface. Chill for at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.
  • Before baking, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Bake:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll dough into balls, about three tablespoons each, and place 2 inches apart onto the baking sheet.
  • Bake on the middle rack until the edges are set and just beginning to turn golden brown, about 9-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately press a pecan halve into the center of each cookie.
  • Let rest on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 5gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 88mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 3gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 630IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 65mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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5 from 12 votes

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16 Comments

  1. I’m getting hungry just looking at this and reading about the recipe. Butter pecan cookies are one of my favorite treats. I can’t wait to make this.5 stars

  2. I wanna make this too! Glad I came over your recipe and tip! Noted on the chilling part. Yay! now I am excited to eat my own pecan cookies!

  3. You ALWAYS feature the best cookie recipes. I love butter pecan ice cream and always wondered what a butter pecan cookie would taste like but could never find a recipe. Thanks for this one.

  4. I have not tasted the Butter Pecan flavour, but from your description, it sounds awesome. The Butter Pecan Cookies really look irresistible.5 stars

  5. These cookies truly struck my fancy. I like the idea of them and how they look. I cannot wait until I try them for my family.

  6. I’m actually so sad I can’t have this myself because dessert causes me to have seizures, but I’ll definitely be making this for my next family function, you can bet on that!

  7. Now you are talking my kind of cookies. We love butter pecan cookies, but I have yet to make them. I may try out this recipe for the family and make some for our cookie exchange.5 stars

  8. YUM ! I love your recipe for Butter pecan cookies. I’m adding these to my xmas cookie making less for tomorrow.5 stars

  9. I am printing out your recipe right now for our Christmas cookie exchange, this butter pecan cookie recipe is going to be a hit! Our favorite ice cream is butter pecan in our family, everyone is going to die for this recipe! Thanks for sharing your talents.5 stars