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Homemade Butter Pecan Cookies with golden edges and crunchy toasted pecans, served on a baking tray.

Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe


  • Author: Clara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • 1½ cups chopped pecans (toasted optional)

  • ½ cup toffee bits (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

  • White chocolate chips

  • Maple extract instead of vanilla

  • Sea salt flakes for topping


Instructions

Preparation Toast the pecans (optional)

Step 1: Toast the nuts
For deeper flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let them cool completely before adding to the dough.

Make the dough

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup melted and cooled butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Whisk in 2 eggs and 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and silky.

Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon baking powder.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 6: Fold in pecans and extras
Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold in 1½ cups chopped pecans and ½ cup toffee bits if using. The dough should be thick but soft and slightly sticky.

Chill and shape

Step 7: Chill the dough
Cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. Chilling helps control spread and improves flavor.
Step 8: Preheat and prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 9: Scoop and place
Scoop the dough into rounded balls, about 1½ tablespoons each, and place on the baking sheets 2 inches apart. For prettier cookies, press a few extra pecans on top before baking.

Bake and cool

Step 10: Bake the cookies
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue cooking slightly as they cool.
Step 11: Cool and serve
Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Melted butter helps create a chewy texture, but be sure it’s cooled to avoid cooking the eggs.

  • Cornstarch adds softness—don’t skip it!

  • For consistent baking, scoop cookies the same size and bake on the center rack.

  • Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds depth to the cookie.

  • Letting the dough chill is key to keeping the cookies thick and chewy.

  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 12 min

Nutrition

  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Protein: 2 g