Easy, soft, and chewy Butter Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies are not only simple to make but also packed with the rich flavor of toasted pecans. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or Thanksgiving, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends. The combination of warm butter and sweet sugars creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that you won’t forget.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and toasted pecans creates a rich and nutty taste.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays or just because, these cookies suit any occasion.
- Chewy Texture: These cookies boast a soft and chewy texture that everyone loves.
- Customizable Additions: Feel free to add chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cookie-making fun, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently and preventing mess.
- Baking tray: A good quality tray ensures even baking for all your cookies.
- Parchment paper: This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
Easy, soft, and chewy butter pecan cookies recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Loaded with toasted pecans. Great for Christmas and Thanksgiving!
For the Dough
- 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
Mix-ins
- 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 with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add flour, cinnamon powder, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder into the bowl. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
Step 4: Fold in Pecans and Toffee Bits
Gently mix in the chopped pecans and toffee bits until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30-45 minutes to make it easier to handle during shaping.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small portions of chilled dough using a cookie scoop. Roll them into balls; if the dough seems crumbly at first, use your hands’ warmth to bring it together.
Step 7: Optional Sugar Coating
If desired, roll each cookie dough ball in granulated sugar before placing them on your baking tray.
Step 8: Bake
Place each cookie ball on a parchment-lined tray. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 11-14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Step 9: Cool Down
After baking, allow the cookies to cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack. They will deflate slightly as they cool down.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Butter Pecan Cookies!
How to Serve Butter Pecan Cookies
Butter pecan cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that complements the sweet flavors perfectly.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange butter pecan cookies on a dessert platter alongside other cookies and treats for an inviting presentation at gatherings or parties.
Warmed Up
- Heat your cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm. This can bring out the buttery flavors and make them extra gooey.
With Ice Cream
- Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the chewy cookies.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a touch of decadence by drizzling warm caramel sauce over your butter pecan cookies. This adds sweetness and richness to each bite.
Crumbled as Topping
- Crumble leftover butter pecan cookies over yogurt or ice cream for added crunch and flavor. It’s a delicious way to use any extras!
How to Perfect Butter Pecan Cookies
Perfecting your butter pecan cookies can elevate them from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use toasted pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor, giving your cookies a richer, nuttier taste.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, chewy cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your cookies soft and tender rather than tough.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them when they’re slightly underbaked ensures they’ll stay soft.
- Store properly: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and softness.
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in chocolate chips or dried fruits for added flavor variations!
Best Side Dishes for Butter Pecan Cookies
While butter pecan cookies are delicious on their own, they can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream makes an excellent topping if you’re serving these cookies with desserts like pie or cake.
- Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with these cookies, creating a cozy treat perfect for chilly days.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cookies while adding interesting textures.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or tea is ideal for dipping and enjoying alongside butter pecan cookies.
- Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola as a side for a delightful texture contrast that complements the nutty flavors of the cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking butter pecan cookies can be a delightful experience, but common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling your dough can result in flat cookies. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to enhance texture and flavor.
Using Hot Butter: Adding hot melted butter can lead to greasy cookies. Ensure your butter is warm but not hot before mixing it with sugars.
Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough rather than soft and chewy. Mix until just combined for the best results.
Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using old baking powder or stale pecans can affect the rise and taste. Always check the freshness of your ingredients.
Not Measuring Accurately: Incorrect measurements can alter the cookie’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your butter pecan cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for about 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Butter Pecan Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Butter Pecan Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh taste.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm them gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about butter pecan cookies that might help you while baking.
How do I make Butter Pecan Cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has xanthan gum added for structure.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
While you can use salted butter, it may alter the flavor balance. For best results, stick to unsalted butter.
How do I store leftover Butter Pecan Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
What are some variations of Butter Pecan Cookies?
Consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor and texture!
Final Thoughts
Butter pecan cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy family nights. Their rich flavor and delightful chewiness make them irresistible. Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite nuts or mix-ins! Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious treat!
Butter Pecan Cookies
Indulge in the warm, buttery goodness of homemade Butter Pecan Cookies, a delightful treat that brings comfort to every occasion. These soft and chewy cookies are enriched with toasted pecans, creating a rich flavor profile that will impress family and friends alike. Perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy evenings at home, this simple recipe is quick to whip up and delivers unforgettable melt-in-your-mouth moments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 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 chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Cream melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking soda, and baking powder; mix until just combined.
- Fold in chopped pecans.
- Chill dough for 30-45 minutes.
- Scoop chilled dough into balls; optionally roll in sugar.
- Bake on parchment-lined tray at 350°F for 11-14 minutes until golden.
- Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
