Butter Pecan Cookies are the definition of classic comfort baking. Rich, buttery dough meets toasted pecans for a cookie that’s soft in the center, lightly crisp on the edges, and packed with warm, nutty flavor. These cookies feel nostalgic yet elegant—perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or a cozy treat with coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love These Butter Pecan Cookies
Deep buttery flavor with toasted pecans
Soft and tender texture that stays fresh
Easy, pantry-friendly ingredients
Crowd-pleasing for all ages
Ingredients You’ll Need
🌰 Cookie Dough
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
🧈 Pecan Mix-In
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped pecans and toast 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
Remove from heat and let cool completely.
🧈 Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars
In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
🥚 Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
🧂 Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
🌰 Step 5: Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the cooled toasted pecans.
🍪 Step 6: Scoop & Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Scoop dough into 1½-tablespoon balls and place on a lined baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look slightly soft.
❄️ Step 7: Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
🍪 Pro Tips for Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies
Toast the pecans—this step adds major flavor
Use room-temperature butter for best texture
Don’t overbake; cookies will set as they cool
For thicker cookies, chill dough for 30 minutes
🌟 Flavor Variations
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: Brown the butter before mixing
White Chocolate Butter Pecan: Add ½ cup white chocolate chips
Spiced Version: Add ¼ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
Glazed Butter Pecan Cookies: Drizzle with vanilla glaze after cooling
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
Freeze dough balls for up to 2 months
Bake straight from frozen—add 1–2 minutes to bake time
☕ What to Serve With Them
Hot coffee or espresso
Vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
Warm milk or chai tea
✅ Conclusion
These Butter Pecan Cookies are rich, tender, and packed with buttery nut flavor—everything a homemade cookie should be. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple ingredients and easy steps.