Easy Butter Pecan Cookies – Soft, Buttery & Perfect for the Holidays
With their soft centers, golden edges, and delicious nutty flavor, these cookies are perfect for Christmas cookie boxes, holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or a cozy afternoon with coffee.
The best part? You can make them with simple pantry ingredients, and they look beautiful topped with a whole pecan.
Why You'll Love These Butter Pecan Cookies
Rich, buttery flavor with crunchy pecans
Soft centers with lightly golden edges
Easy to prepare with everyday ingredients
Perfect for holiday gifting and cookie exchanges
Delicious with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk
Ingredients
Makes approximately 20–24 cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups chopped pecans
20–24 pecan halves, for topping
How to Make Butter Pecan Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Measure your ingredients and allow the butter to soften at room temperature.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Step 4: Add the Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the cookie dough using a spatula.
The dough should be soft and filled with crunchy pecan pieces.
If it feels too sticky to scoop, refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop approximately 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie.
Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between them.
Gently press one pecan half into the top of each cookie.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake for approximately 11–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look just set.
The cookies may appear slightly soft when removed from the oven, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Butter Pecan Cookies
Toast the pecans: For extra flavor, toast chopped pecans in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, then cool completely before adding them to the dough.
Use room-temperature butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth, creamy dough.
Don't overbake: Remove the cookies when their edges are lightly golden.
Chill the dough if necessary: Chilling helps reduce spreading and makes sticky dough easier to handle.
Use fresh pecans: Fresh nuts provide the best flavor and texture.
Delicious Variations
Chocolate Chip Butter Pecan Cookies
Add ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
Maple Butter Pecan Cookies
Replace ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract with maple extract for a cozy maple flavor.
Cinnamon Pecan Cookies
Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm holiday twist.
How to Store Butter Pecan Cookies
Room temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Make ahead: Prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter?
Yes! If using salted butter, reduce or omit the additional salt depending on your preference.
Can I make these cookies without pecans?
Absolutely. You can leave out the pecans or substitute chopped walnuts, although the flavor will be different.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too warm, or the dough may have needed chilling. Refrigerate the dough before baking if necessary.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes. Freeze portioned dough balls and bake from frozen, adding approximately 1–3 minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Butter Pecan Cookies combine everything we love about classic American baking: buttery flavor, crunchy nuts, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies.
Whether you're preparing a holiday dessert platter, filling a Christmas cookie tin, or simply treating your family, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Have you tried homemade Butter Pecan Cookies? Share your favorite cookie recipe in the comments below!
The Recipe Journey Editorial Team
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