Few flavors capture warmth and comfort like butter pecan—rich, nutty, and full of old-fashioned charm. Now imagine that comforting flavor wrapped into a soft, chewy cookie with crisp edges and golden toasted pecans in every bite. Butter Pecan Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet, buttery indulgence and nutty crunch. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy weekend treat, or a cookie exchange, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about making the perfect butter pecan cookie—from the history behind the flavor to step-by-step instructions, nutritional details, and presentation ideas.
What Makes Butter Pecan Cookies So Special?
Butter pecan is a flavor traditionally associated with ice cream and southern desserts, but in cookie form, it becomes something even more comforting and nostalgic. These cookies have several qualities that make them stand out:
- Toasty, Nutty Flavor: Toasted pecans bring out deep, buttery notes that elevate the entire cookie.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth interior with slightly crisp edges.
- Brown Butter Magic: Using brown butter instead of plain melted butter adds an extra layer of caramel-like richness.
Whether served with coffee, milk, or after dinner, these cookies offer a timeless, elevated flavor profile that feels both indulgent and homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Recipe: How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended for flavor and texture)
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 3 dozen cookies
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for 7–8 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and golden. Let them cool while preparing the dough.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter foams and turns golden brown, with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the toasted pecans.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
For best results, cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps deepen the flavor and prevents excessive spreading.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (if not already on). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into rounded tablespoons and place 2 inches apart on the sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but soft.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Estimated based on a batch of 36 cookies:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
Butter Pecan Cookies offer rich flavor with modest portions, making them a satisfying sweet treat in any setting.
Presentation Tips
- Rustic Elegance: Stack them in a vintage tin lined with parchment for gifting.
- Cookie Platter Star: Pair with chocolate chip and shortbread cookies for variety.
- Serve with Style: Present with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant dessert plate.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Chocolate Chips: A handful of dark or white chocolate chips creates an even richer bite.
- Make Sandwich Cookies: Spread dulce de leche or brown butter frosting between two cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix—these cookies adapt well.
For an even more indulgent version, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Why Butter Pecan Cookies Belong in Your Recipe Box
There’s something undeniably comforting about butter pecan cookies. They strike a beautiful balance between sophistication and nostalgia, with flavors that appeal to all ages. They’re just as appropriate on a holiday cookie tray as they are in a lunchbox or beside your morning coffee.
With easy-to-find ingredients, a straightforward process, and a flavor profile that feels elevated yet familiar, these cookies deserve a spot in your baking rotation. You can make the dough ahead of time, freeze it for future use, or bake a fresh batch for impromptu gatherings.