Name: Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 59 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups pecans, roughly chopped; 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional); 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

Soft, buttery cookies studded with pecan crunch bring warmth to any gathering.

These butter pecan cookies burst with rich, toasty flavor that melts in your mouth.

Southern bakers have perfected this classic treat for generations.

Crisp edges and tender centers make each bite a delightful experience.

Pecans add a delicate nuttiness that complements the sweet, golden dough.

Baking these cookies fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

You’ll want to share these delectable treats with everyone you know.

Why Butter Pecan Cookies Are a Favorite

Achieve an irresistible combination of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers that melt in your mouth, thanks to the careful mixing and chilling technique.
Elevate your cookie game with the rich, nutty taste of pecans and optional toffee bits, creating a sophisticated twist on classic chocolate chip cookies that will impress family and friends.
These cookies are ideal for casual gatherings, potlucks, holiday parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving with their universal appeal and comforting flavors.

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cookies

Fats:

Butter: A key ingredient that provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.

Sweeteners:

Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: These sugars contribute to the cookie's sweetness and help create a caramelized, golden-brown exterior.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: The main structure builder that gives the cookies their classic texture and shape.
Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more tender cookie with a delicate crumb.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and achieve a light, airy texture.

Flavor Enhancers:

Cinnamon Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the buttery pecan flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Provides a rich, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

Mix-Ins:

Pecans: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and traditional butter pecan flavor to the cookies.
Toffee Bits: Optional ingredient that brings a sweet, caramel-like richness to the cookie.

Binding Ingredients:

Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure and moisture.

Optional Coating:

Granulated Sugar: Provides an extra sweet and slightly crunchy exterior when rolled before baking.

How to Bake Butter Pecan Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up Butter and Sugars

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a light, airy mixture that looks fluffy and smooth.

Step 2: Blend Liquid Ingredients

Pour in eggs and vanilla extract.

Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes completely uniform with no visible streaks of egg or butter remaining.

Step 3: Mix Dry Components

Sprinkle in flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder.

Gently combine ingredients, being careful not to overmix which could make cookies tough.

Step 4: Introduce Nutty Goodness

Softly fold in chopped pecans and toffee bits, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 5: Chill Cookie Mixture

Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.

This cooling period helps solidify the dough, creating a more manageable texture and promoting thicker, chewier cookies.

Step 6: Shape Delightful Cookies

Scoop out small portions of chilled dough and roll into balls using your palms.

The dough might feel crumbly initially, but your body heat will help bind it together.

Optional: Roll each ball in granulated sugar for an extra sweet crunch.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Bake cookies for 11-14 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers remain soft.

Cookies will slightly deflate while cooling.

For flatter cookies, gently press them down with a spoon while warm.

Step 9: Cool and Savor

Allow cookies to rest on the baking tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or save for later snacking.

Tips for Rich Butter Pecan Cookies

Stop mixing dry ingredients as soon as they are just combined to maintain a tender, soft cookie texture.
Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor development and prevent excessive spreading during baking.
Enhance cookie exterior by rolling dough balls in granulated sugar for extra crunch and subtle sweetness.
Gently press warm cookies with a spoon to achieve desired flatness or keep them naturally puffy.
Substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or chocolate chips for those with nut allergies.

How to Store Butter Pecan Cookies Right

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent crumbling.
Pack cookies in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, separating layers with wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring they are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help maintain softness and prevent them from drying out.
Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. This restores their soft texture and brings back that fresh-baked warmth.

What to Serve with Butter Pecan Cookies

Savor Nutty Sweetness: Complementary Flavor Companions

Pair with Cold Milk: Creamy, classic whole milk perfectly balances the rich, buttery pecan cookie, creating a nostalgic comfort drink that enhances every delicious bite.
Match with Caramel Coffee: Warm, smooth caramel-infused coffee highlights the toffee and pecan notes, delivering a decadent dessert experience that amplifies the cookie's deep, sweet undertones.
Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, crunchy cookie, melting softly and creating a luxurious dessert combination that feels indulgent and satisfying.
Enjoy with Spiced Chai Latte: Aromatic chai's warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom beautifully echo the cookie's cinnamon notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels cozy and sophisticated.

Gluten-Free Pecan Delight: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a celiac-friendly cookie that maintains the same rich, buttery texture and nutty flavor.
Low-Sugar Wellness Cookie: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, creating a diabetic-friendly version that reduces overall sugar content while preserving the cookie's delectable taste.
Vegan Nutty Sensation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select dairy-free toffee bits to craft a plant-based cookie that honors the original recipe's comforting essence.
Maple Pecan Alternative: Swap regular sugar with maple sugar and add a splash of maple extract, transforming the classic butter pecan cookie into a woodland-inspired treat with deeper, more complex sweetness.

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling helps prevent cookies from spreading too much during baking. It solidifies the butter and allows the flour to absorb moisture, resulting in thicker, more flavorful cookies with better texture.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even chopped macadamia nuts. Just ensure they are roughly chopped to distribute evenly throughout the dough.

What does cornstarch do in this recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a softer, more tender cookie by preventing excess gluten formation. It adds a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture to the butter pecan cookies.

How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will appear puffy when first removed from the oven and will naturally deflate as they cool, creating a perfect chewy texture.

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

Easy Butter Pecan Cookies Recipe: Sweet Treats for All Ages

Why Butter Pecan Cookies Are a Favorite

Ingredients for Butter Pecan Cookies