BUTTER PECAN COOKIES

Butter Pecan Cookies are soft, buttery treats flavored with warm vanilla and cinnamon, making them perfect for butter pecan ice cream lovers. An easy and delicious recipe for a cozy homemade cookie!

This Butter Pecan Cookie recipe is simple and approachable, perfect for novice bakers filling their cookie jar or experienced bakers craving something delicious. Packed with warm flavors and crunchy pecans, they’re the kind of cookies you’ll want to enjoy with a big glass of milk!

Ingredients for Pecan Butter Cookies

Pecans: ½ cup of pecans to go into the dough, plus one piece to top each cookie.

Butter: One stick (½ cup) of butter makes the cookies rich and tasty!

Brown sugar: Give the cookies a nice depth of flavor by adding ½ cup of brown sugar.

Eggs: You need 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk only, to bind the ingredients well.

Flour: Add 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour for the gluten-filled base of this cookie dough recipe.

Cornstarch: 1 TBSP cornstarch will help make the cookies nice and soft.

Extract: Enhance the flavors in the dough by using 1 TBSP of vanilla extract. I like to use high quality vanilla for better tasting results, but you can use what you have on hand.

Cinnamon: With 1 TBSP of cinnamon you can create warm, spiced treats.

Sea Salt: One pinch of sea salt will help enhance all the incredible flavors in the cookie dough.

Baking Powder: You need 1 tsp of baking powder so the cookies puff up nicely as they bake.

Tips for Perfect Cookie Texture & Taste

1. Mixing the dough. Start by melting the butter and mixing it well with brown sugar. This ensures even sweetness and a soft base. When you blend in the eggs, mix just until combined to avoid toughness.
2. Topping variations. Using pecans as toppings adds both appearance and texture to the cookies. You can replace whole pecans with halved or chopped pecans for a nuttier bite that’s spread throughout the cookie’s surface.
3. Toast for extra flavor! For a toasted flavor, try lightly roasting the pecans before placing them on top. Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens the taste.

Can I Brown the Butter First?

Yes! We love browned butter. What you’ll need to do is to melt the stick of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The butter will first melt, then foam. Stirring often, continue cooking the butter just until it turns brown and gives off a delightful nutty aroma. (It smells almost like caramel!)  Cool slightly, then proceed with the recipe.

How long are butter pecan cookies good for?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Use wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. This maintains freshness without losing the soft texture.

How can the right amount of brown sugar and butter affect the texture of butter pecan cookies?

Brown sugar adds moisture and creates a soft, chewy texture due to its molasses content. Butter contributes richness and affects how much the cookies spread during baking.

If you use less butter, the cookies may end up dry or crumbly. Too much brown sugar can make cookies overly soft or sticky.

What is the reason for using both a whole egg and an extra yolk in cookie recipes?

The whole egg provides structure and moisture, helping to bind the ingredients. The extra egg yolk increases fat content, making the cookies richer and giving them a tender crumb.

Using both ensures the dough holds together well while maintaining softness and chewiness.

Why is cornstarch included in the butter pecan cookie dough, and what does it do?

Cornstarch is a softening agent that reduces gluten formation in the dough. This results in a softer, more tender cookie texture.

It helps prevent the cookies from becoming tough or overly dense while keeping them light.

Can I make the dough in advance?

You can prepare the cookie dough and keep it in a covered bowl in the fridge for up to 3 days in advance. You can roll and bake the dough as directed above when ready.

Try more fabulous buttery cookie recipes here:

• Danish Butter Cookies are crisp, golden treats made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. They’re a classic holiday favorite, perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and neighbors.
• This Homemade Butter Cookie Box features a classic butter cookie recipe plus four tasty variations, all tucked into a festive box. A sweet and thoughtful holiday gift filled with tender, buttery cookies!
• Espresso Butter Cookies are tender, buttery treats infused with espresso powder and dipped in rich chocolate. Bold, flavorful, and beautiful, they’re a perfect addition to any Christmas cookie tray!
• Our Classic holiday butter cookies are made with rich, buttery dough, then dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. These shortbread-style cookies have a delicate texture and incredible flavor, perfect for festive celebrations!
• Biscoff Butter Cookies are packed with cookie butter, crushed Biscoff, cinnamon chips, and a white chocolate center. With caramelized crispy edges and the perfect sweet-salty balance, they’re an irresistible treat!

Butter Pecan Cookies are rich and flavorful with warm vanilla and cinnamon, making them the perfect easy treat for anyone who loves butter pecan ice cream!