Easy, soft and chewy Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially during Christmas and Thanksgiving. With their rich flavor and the added crunch of toasted pecans, they stand out as a must-try recipe. The combination of simple ingredients makes these cookies not only delicious but also easy to whip up in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the items needed are pantry staples, making it easy to bake these cookies anytime.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Each bite provides a perfect balance of softness and chewiness, ensuring satisfaction with every cookie.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or served as a complement to your favorite ice cream.
- Family-Friendly Recipe: Kids and adults alike will enjoy helping with the preparation, making it a fun family activity.
- Perfect for Celebrations: These Butter Pecan Cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into baking your Butter Pecan Cookies, gather your kitchen tools. Being well-prepared will help ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure that the cookies come out perfectly every time.
- Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet promotes even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup Butter (Unsalted, Melted, Should be cooled so that it’s warm and not very hot)
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 2 Eggs (Large)
- 1.5 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1.5 cups Pecans (Roughly chopped, Unsalted, Preferably toasted)
- 1/2 cup Toffee bits (Optional)
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
Step 4: Incorporate Pecans and Toffee Bits
Fold in the chopped pecans and optional toffee bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes to make it easier to handle when forming balls.
Step 6: Form Cookie Balls
Scoop out small portions of dough using a cookie scoop or spoon. Roll them into balls using your hands. The chilled dough may seem crumbly at first but will come together with warmth.
Step 7: Optional Sugar Coating
If desired, roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the baking tray. This step is optional!
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Place the formed cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 9: Bake Your Cookies
Bake at 350 degrees F for about 11-14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. The centers may appear poofy but will deflate as they cool. If they don’t deflate enough for your liking, gently press down with the back of a spoon after removing from the oven. Enjoy!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter pecan cookies are versatile treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging at home, these cookies can be paired with delightful accompaniments.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s buttery flavor while balancing sweetness.
Alongside Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies on a festive platter with other treats like brownies and bars for a beautiful display.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy butter pecan cookies with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon snack.
As Party Favors
- Package cookies in cute bags tied with ribbons to give as thoughtful gifts at celebrations.
How to Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies
To ensure your butter pecan cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.
- Chill the dough: This step helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
- Use toasted pecans: Toasting brings out their rich flavor, making your cookies even more delicious.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Precision is key to achieving the right texture in your cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake, removing them when they are golden around the edges.
- Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Butter Pecan Cookies
While butter pecan cookies are delightful on their own, they can also be paired with various side dishes to create a complete dessert experience.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookie.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and decadence.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance the richness of the cookies, adding a burst of freshness.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting sweet and savory combination.
- Nut Brittle: Crunchy nut brittle complements the cookie’s flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
- Caramel Dip: A warm caramel dip is perfect for dipping each bite of cookie, enhancing its flavors even further.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal beverage pairs wonderfully with the nuttiness of butter pecan cookies during autumn.
- Hot Chocolate: Cozy up with a mug of hot chocolate alongside your warm butter pecan cookies for a comforting treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking butter pecan cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common missteps that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
Using hot butter: Melted butter should be warm but not hot. If it’s too hot, it can cause the sugars to melt improperly, resulting in flat cookies.
Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough for 30-45 minutes is crucial. Not doing so may lead to cookies that spread too much while baking.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing just until combined helps avoid tough cookies. Overmixing activates gluten and can create a dense texture.
Ignoring oven temperature accuracy: Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if necessary. Inaccurate temperatures can lead to undercooked or overbaked cookies.
Not measuring ingredients properly: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar. Too much flour can dry out the cookies, while too little may make them too soft.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- For best taste, consume within three days if possible.
Freezing Butter Pecan Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will last for up to three months.
Reheating Butter Pecan Cookies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about butter pecan cookies:
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can use salted butter, but it may alter the cookie’s flavor. If using salted butter, reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe.
How do I make my butter pecan cookies more chewy?
To enhance chewiness, add extra cornstarch or slightly underbake them. This keeps them softer as they cool.
Can I substitute other nuts?
Absolutely! You can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. Adjust based on personal preference!
What is the best way to toast pecans?
Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Stir halfway through for even roasting.
How long do these cookies last?
Butter pecan cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week and longer if frozen.
Final Thoughts
These butter pecan cookies are not only easy to make but also offer a deliciously soft and chewy texture that everyone loves. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home, you can customize them with chocolate chips or different nuts as you wish. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Indulge in the delightful world of Butter Pecan Cookies, a perfect blend of soft, chewy texture and rich, buttery flavor that will leave everyone craving more. Ideal for any occasion—especially during festive holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving—these cookies feature the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans complemented by a hint of cinnamon. With easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up this comforting treat in no time, making them a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as part of an elegant dessert platter, these butter pecan cookies promise to bring warmth and joy to every gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 cups toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
- Optional: 1/2 cup toffee bits
Instructions
- Cream melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder; add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in toasted pecans and optional toffee bits.
- Chill dough for 30-45 minutes before forming into balls.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place cookie balls on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 11-14 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
